After 10 years of donning the iconic red, black and yellow shirt for Bournemouth Rugby, skipper Grant Hancox earned his 200th cap this month after their Regional 2 South Central clash against Winchester.
The playmaking fly-half now joins an exclusive group of players who have all earned more than 200 caps for the 1XV team.
Hancox’s rugby days started in the Midlands when he was seven years old. Shortly after moving to Dorset in 2014, Grant got his first call up to the Lions senior squad aged 23 for an away match against Brixham.
Coming off the bench as a full-back, the step into the senior team wasn’t quite as he expected.
“I remember my first cap well. I’d always played as a scrum half, but when I came to Bournemouth that position was taken by club legend Sam Hardcastle. So, I ended up making my debut away to Brixham as full-back. That first couple of years I became a utility player and developed a few strings to my bow, which gives you more positional options,” recalls Grant.
Since debuting for Bournemouth Rugby, the 33-year-old has gone on to earn 199 more caps.
“Our president Doug Warren is the club statistician and kept me up to date with my points and appearances. As a result, I ended up keeping tabs on it myself over the last few years. Being a self-confessed stat nerd, especially around the goal kicking and appearances. I was aware of it at the start of the season and it was special to reach it at Chapel Gate with a thrilling home game win,” added Grant.
The Bournemouth captain has created many special memories along the way.
“The 2018/19 season is a standout memory, where we won the South West Premier by a record points margin. That was fantastic to be a part of and playing in the same team as lads that I’ll be friends for life with.”
Grant feels like the club are riding a new high this season.
“It’s the most positive that I’ve experienced in the last two to three years. There’s also lot of young talent coming through.”
While Grant is proud of his milestone achievement, the captain has got his eyes firmly on the prize with a competitive season still to go in the Regional 2 South Central league.
“We’re trying to build momentum and show that we can compete with the top teams.”
