‘Nerd’ Dom Barrow has passion to learn with Newcastle Falcons

He might have been one of the most sought-after players in the Championship but Newcastle Falcons new boy Dom Barrow is already well aware of the gulf in class he must bridge to succeed in the Premiership.
Fresh from an impressive season with Leeds and having helped England claim the Junior World Championship title, with a first age-group with over New Zealand along the way, Barrow would be forgiven for believing he could take the step up in his stride.
Yet as a self-confessed ‘nerd' the 20-year-old has already filled two notebooks with his frantic post-training note-taking as he prepares for his first taste of top-flight rugby.
From lineout calls to the wisdom of fellow second rows Carlo Del Fava and Scott MacLeod, Barrow is desperate to soak up every bit of knowledge he can before the Falcons embark on their return to the top table.
“I'm always writing things down and then I go over them and try and memorise everything, I've probably filled a couple of notebooks already,” said Barrow.
“It is something I have always done, it's the way I work to improve myself. I've been getting back from training and then frantically writing everything down to try and remember as much as I can.
“In Scott MacLeod and Carlo Del Fava there is a lot of international experience and then there is a world class coaching staff as well with Dean Richards, John Wells and Graham Steadman. It is just a great environment in which to develop.
“I didn't play when Leeds were in the Premiership but I remember watching them and it is a dream come true to be part of a Premiership side.
“I know there is no guarantee I will play but if I can take an opportunity and get some game time then it would be a huge achievement.
“It is what I have dreamed of doing since I was a little boy so to achieve that would be incredible.”
Barrow grew up with Leeds, making his senior debut in 2011, but he is not short of familiar faces in the Falcons dressing room having previously lined up with returning fly-half Rory Clegg and scrum-half Warren Fury for the Yorkshire side.
The 6ft 8in and 19 stone lock's England pedigree – he has captained both England U16s and U18s and played a key role in the JWC and Six Nations triumphs this year – has also seen him play alongside Scott Wilson and Joel Hodgson.
And Barrow has seen enough of those around him to believe the Falcons can hold their own in the new season.
“It is quite strange (to be at Falcons) having come through the academy at Leeds and been with the club for six years,” added Barrow.
“But it is a new challenge and it keeps you on your toes and working hard. There was a bit of interest in me but Newcastle was just too good to turn down.
“Like Dean Richards has said there are a couple of teams at the top and then after that there's not much between the other teams.
“There seems to be a really good attitude in the squad and I know from the summer with England how important that is.”
JON NEWCOMBE