The leap from local club cricket to a professional rookie contract is one of the toughest transitions in sport. For Romano Franco, that dream became a reality this year. Balancing his studies at Cardiff Met with the demands of life at Sophia Gardens, Romano represents the next generation of Welsh talent coming through the North Wales and Cricket Wales pathways.
We sat down with Rom, who was one of our very first ‘guinea pigs’ at The Sports Warehouse, to talk about the intensity of the pro game, the secret to a productive net session, and the surreal feeling of that first professional over.
Right now, you’re balancing your newly announced rookie contract with Glamorgan CCC alongside life at Cardiff Met. How are you finding the juggle between lectures and line-and-length?
“It is all fitting in quite nicely at the minute; I’m enjoying the rhythm of going from a bowling session one minute to focusing on my studies the next.”
What does a typical day look like for you now? Is it all studying and cricket, or do you still have time for a life beyond the books and the boundary?
“It’s definitely important to have interests away from the game to keep a good balance, whether that’s meeting up with friends or just relaxing with my housemates.”
You’ve come through the North Wales clubs and the Cricket Wales pathway. What is the biggest difference you’ve noticed between local club cricket and the professional environment?
“The standard and the intensity are significantly higher, which is the biggest shift, especially when it comes to fielding. In the professional game, you have to expect the ball to come to you on every single delivery because modern batters can play 360-degree shots. You can never switch off.”
You were one of our first ‘guinea pigs’ when we laid the flooring at The Sports Warehouse. How do the TSW lanes compare to the surfaces you are training on at Sophia Gardens?
“I was pleasantly surprised. I already knew Bart was a perfectionist, so I had a feeling the facilities would be high-quality, but they were genuinely impressive. It’s a very good facility for players to use to sharpen their skills.”
When you’re in the nets, are you usually working on something technical and specific, or is it more about getting the ‘feel’ of the ball?
“It varies, but I think it’s vital to clarify exactly what you want to achieve before you start. Whether you’re tweaking something technical, experimenting with innovations like new shots or bowling variations, or working through match scenarios for different formats, the key is the preparation. As long as you plan your session well and reflect on your performance afterward, you will see your game progress.”
For any young cricketers coming to The Sports Warehouse this winter dreaming of a Glamorgan contract, what is the one bit of advice you would give them?
“Above all, ensure you are always enjoying your cricket. Within that, push yourself as far as you can, attend as many training sessions as possible and work on your game as a whole.”
Looking back at your journey so far, what has been your absolute favourite cricketing moment on the pitch?
“Bowling my first over in professional cricket. It was a completely surreal feeling that I’ll never forget.”
Quick Fire Questions
- Fast bowling or spin? Which do you prefer facing? Spin.
- First ball: solid block or cheeky boundary? Definitely a cheeky boundary!
- Clean white kit or a bit of grass-stained character? My mum wouldn’t be happy with me saying anything other than clean whites.
- The sound of the ball hitting the bat or the sound of the stumps flying? The sound of the stumps flying – as long as they aren’t mine!
- If you could borrow any professional player’s cover drive, whose would it be? Virat Kohli.
A huge thank you to Romano for sharing his insights into the professional game and his journey through the Cricket Wales pathway. Everyone at The Sports Warehouse wishes him the very best of luck for the upcoming season.
