Max Ojomoh: Navigating England Rejection and Bath's Champions Cup Quest
At Bath Rugby's training base in Farleigh House, black flags flutter in the spring breeze, symbolizing the team's Champions Cup aspirations. A motivational sign reads "Choose Greatness," setting the tone for their last-16 clash against Saracens this Saturday. For centre Max Ojomoh, this match represents more than just a playoff—it's a personal mission after a rollercoaster season.
From England Hero to Squad Omission
In late November, Ojomoh earned man-of-the-match honors for England in a standout performance against Argentina, highlighted by a sublime cross-kick assist to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Yet, just months later, he found himself dropped from the Six Nations squad. Reflecting on this abrupt shift, the 25-year-old admits uncertainty about his international future. "If that's the last of it, well it was a pretty good last game, wasn't it?" he muses, acknowledging the fleeting nature of Test rugby.
Ojomoh's exclusion came as Bath teammate Ollie Lawrence returned from injury, prompting a reshuffle in England's midfield options. "I knew someone had to go," he says, noting the balance required in selection between playmakers like himself and ball-carriers like Lawrence. Despite his attacking prowess—blending pace, guile, and strength—Ojomoh has been advised to improve his post-contact metres, defensive intensity, and work rate.
Resilience and Perspective
Having been in and out of England squads since age 21, Ojomoh has developed a thick skin. "Nothing is ever promised," he emphasizes, recalling advice from his father, Steve Ojomoh, a former England international: "The cream always rises to the top." This mindset helps him stay positive, even as he watched England's Six Nations loss to Ireland from a holiday in Morocco.
Ojomoh's focus now shifts to Bath, where he has forged a dynamic partnership with fly-half Finn Russell. "When we signed Finn, I didn't expect us two to be so similar in how we see the game and attack," he reveals, highlighting their instinctive rapport. Under coach Johann van Graan, Bath aims for a first home quarter-final in the Champions Cup since 2002, with Ojomoh eager to impress.
Looking Beyond Rugby
With a business degree from the University of Bath and a passion for online chess, Ojomoh maintains a balanced perspective. "There is a lot more to life than just these 10 years of a career," he notes, though he remains committed to earning a spot in next year's World Cup squad. "You can't be too hell-bent on these things because they'll break you," he adds, stressing the importance of mental clarity.
As Bath prepares for Saracens, Ojomoh sees an opportunity to showcase his talents. "If I don't get picked again, I can look back when I retire and say: 'Wow, I had a good career and I thought I was a good player,'" he concludes. For now, the mission is clear: choose greatness on the field, with hopes of reigniting his England prospects.
