Cullen: Caldwell on right path
Cullen sees echoes of own journey in Bath lock
2011 Getty Images
Bath's Irish second-row Ryan Caldwell tackles Leinster's Jonny Sexton. Pic: Scott Heavey/GETTY
LEINSTER captain Leo Cullen knows how a change of club can activate a career.
He did it himself, moving from Leinster to Leicester Tigers for two seasons (2005-07) in order to learn how to become a winner in the dog-eat-dog environment that is Welford Road.
The Wicklow man made 56 appearances, captained the Tigers 15 times and returned with Guinness Premiership and EDF Energy Cup medals in his back pocket. All in all, it was the seminal decision that transformed his career.
Former Ulster lock Ryan Caldwell is, possibly, undergoing the same transition as a player and a man at Bath, where he has made a stunning start to his two-year contract at the English club. He's always been a raw talent.
"Caldy is a big carrier for them. He's always been a pretty athletic and abrasive guy. He was the same when he was at Ulster - he carried a lot of ball for them," said Cullen (pictured).
Starting
"I think the run of games has been good for him over there. Caldy has been starting most games and (David) Attwood, who is an England international, has been on the bench. So, he's clearly going well for them."
An obsession with South African muscle squeezed Caldwell's game time at Ulster, and his tendency to be indisciplined has been the main obstacle to regularly making the international grade.
Invest
But Bath director of rugby Ian McGeechan and forwards coach Martin Haag have seen fit to invest time into developing the 27-year-old.
Caldwell, standing 6'7", has already played 14 times for Bath this season, in what could be the trigger for him to add to his two Ireland caps.
"It seems to have been (a good move). That's what most players want - consistency in selection. Obviously, when Johann Muller came in for Ulster his chances were pretty limited," added Cullen.
While every player worth his salt believes he deserves more than he is getting, Caldwell has always been blessed with the physical tools to do this job very well.
Perhaps the movement to a new country and coaching culture has activated something valuable inside him. Caldwell has gone from fourth choice at Ulster to first choice at Bath.
It worked for Leo Cullen. Now, it is working for Ryan Caldwell.
- Des Berry
