Dean Mumm returns for the World Cup
FORMER Wallabies lock Dean Mumm says the chance to have a final crack at playing in a World Cup was behind his decision upend a settled English career and return home.
As revealed by the Daily Telegraph last month, Mumm has signed a one-year deal to return next season to the Waratahs, where he played between 2007 and 2012 and was skipper on numerous occasions.
The 31-year-old is currently finishing up the third of three seasons with the Exeter Chiefs, who under Mumm’s leadership have emerged as a rising force in the UK Premiership.
The return home was a big call for Mumm, with his status as Exeter captain no doubt also making him one of their top paid stars.
But despite having already played 33 times for the Wallabies between 2008 and 2011, Mumm’s ambition to return to the UK in September wearing gold at the World Cup was a powerful force.
“For me it was a massive drawcard. Obviously it is something I haven’t done before. I have been lucky enough to play for the Wallabies but I have never played in a World Cup. I got to the fringes of it (in 2011),” Mumm said from England.
“I don’t know how much longer I will play but I certainly won’t be around for the next World Cup, so it is the last opportunity for me and I have to have a go at it.”
Given his 2016 contract with the Tahs, the ARU have ruled Mumm can become eligible for the Wallabies World Cup squad after returning from Exeter in May by playing club rugby or NRC.
“It was part of the reason for me to come back, that I would be eligible,” Mumm said.
“Maybe in a way a bit similar to the way Vicks came back a couple of years ago. Returning from Cambridge, Dan Vickerman played a 20-minute cameo in NSW’s last round match in 2011 before being rushed into Robbie Deans’ Wallabies squads for the Tri-Nations and World Cup.
Asked if he might return for the Tahs for the end of this Super Rugby campaign, Mumm said: “There is little bit of potential I think, but it’s nothing set in stone. I don’t know when I can get home and obviously the Waratahs have a good squad there as well.”
Sitting fifth, Exeter remain in the hunt for one of four finals spots in the Aviva Premiership but if they don’t progress, their last game is May 16; which corresponds with round 14 of Super Rugby. NSW have four rounds left thereafter, plus finals, although the third and second-last games are in South Africa.
The likelihood of Mumm being a World Cup bolter would be slim, but it’s not out of the question either. Though considered a lock/flanker in Australia, Mumm’s three years in the UK Premiership have been spent at lock and he believes his tight play has grown accordingly.
Lock is also position of concern for Cheika, with Kane Douglas gone and James Horwill among a handful of contenders off the boil. Mumm’s experience of having called line outs at Test level is also an asset not held by many.
“I happy with the way I am playing,” Mumm said.
“What I have learned over here is you have to have that range of skills to succeed over here. The really good players are the ones that are versatile and can play that tight, set-piece game and can also play when it opens up.
“I’ve learned a lot playing lock in a northern hemisphere competition, and what it takes. You get a lot of line outs here ... and ultimately the technique of scrumming isn’t any different, it’s the mentality they bring towards it and the length of scrum you’re required to do that changes the way you approach your work.”
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