Bristol Bears prop Jake Woolmore is poised to etch his name further into the club's history books this Friday, as he is set to break the Bears' top-flight appearance record. The veteran front-rower will achieve this significant milestone when Bristol face Northampton under the Friday night lights.
At 35 years old, Woolmore has been a consistent and reliable presence for the Bears, contributing significantly to their Premiership campaigns. His upcoming record-breaking appearance underscores his longevity and dedication to the club, marking him as one of Bristol's most enduring figures in the top tier of English rugby.
However, alongside this impressive career achievement, Woolmore carries a rather unusual distinction: a professional rugby career devoid of a try. This widely known fact has become a source of good-natured banter within the rugby community and among fans. Woolmore himself has openly acknowledged this unique drought, reportedly describing it as having 'become a joke'.
The pursuit of a try has become a running subplot to his illustrious career, with many wondering if his record-breaking match against Northampton might also be the occasion he finally crosses the whitewash. While a prop's primary role often involves scrummaging and defensive duties rather than try-scoring, Woolmore's exceptional streak highlights the rare nature of his situation.
His consistent selection and integral role in the Bristol Bears squad, despite the absence of tries, speak volumes about his value to the team in other crucial aspects of the game. As he prepares for this landmark match, all eyes will not only be on the team's performance but also on whether Woolmore can finally end his try-scoring wait.