The rehab process has probably went on a lot longer than I first anticipated. When I first got injured in August I thought I'll be sound and would be back to normal and playing early into the year. Wasn't to be the case. In parts the full rehab process has been frustrating but with help and guidance from Scott. He has helped keep me on a path and slowly but surely giving me exercises to help strengthen the leg.

What specific progress have you made in the last week/month? What are some challenges you've encountered?

I've been back on the pitch over the last few weeks/month. Working on explosive work and working on changing direction. Scott has put together some really good plans to hopefully get me back up to speed ready for Pre season starting.

How are you feeling about the injury and the rehab process?

Not long after I got my moonboot taken off. I seen a physiotherapist outside of the club and was highlighted to me that he was worried I potentially had Deep vein Thrombosis which would have been a massive issue if the case and could have caused huge problems. After being seen by the hospital it was confirmed that it wasn't a DVT but was in fact cellulitus. After 3 weeks of tablets this was cleared. This put my recovery back over a month as was advised couldn't do anything till it had cleared. Which was a kick in the teeth to say the least.

The next step in my rehab is to keep doing what I'm doing with Scott. While also maintaining what I'm doing in the Gym to give myself the best chance possible to come back and play. Honestly I'm enjoying the journey I've never really had big injuries since playing rugby. So this is something different to me which I haven't ever encountered. Just got to keep working hard.

How are you feeling about the injury and the rehab process?

When I first got the injury i couldn't actually process how it happened. As I've probs been hit a lot harder by different opposition. But watching it back I could see that my body was kind of twisted from passing the ball. The tackler was committed to the tackle and hit me with a low tackle just above my ankle with no arms (some would say ironic I know). After I understood this I came to terms pretty quickly that it's one of those things. Injuries happen at the end of the day. I realised quickly was nothing I could do to change what had happened got to just look for the positives.

Whats kept you motivated during this time?

The biggest motivation I had during this time was just thinking about getting back to normal and having the ability to do anything for yourself.

How are you developing your mental strength during this period?

I have to tried to get myself into different forms of exercise. Going to the gym before work, doing some running over the weekends. When I exercises I seem to be a lot happier in myself so I have tried to channel a lot of my energy that way.

How are your teammates, coaches, and family supporting you?

If it wasn't for my family during this time I think I would have Defiently struggled a lot more I can't thank them enough for all the help.Especially my mother bless her she was running after me hand and foot.

Im quite fortunate that in the intial stages of my injury had a lot of contact from the lads and coaches. With even some of the lads edgy,Watson, Westy, Jordan and even Mike Walton popping round to see how I was and to help pick my spirits up. Also had Pete checking in with me regularly to see how it was coming along.

What are your short-term goals for the season?

My short term goal for me next season is just to get back playing rugby again. It's been along timeout. Just hoping to finish pre season this time and get some games

What are your long-term goals for the season?

Long term goals hopefully get to play some National 2 rugby and finish somewhere abit more comfortable rather then fighting for survival on the last day of the season again ?

What specific aspects of your performance do you want to improve this season?

I want to improve my overall game not just one aspect of it. Set piece is big importance in the national league so hopefully can work on that. While also improved my Attack and Defence. Who knows when I'm back I may of learnt how to use my arms in a tackle.

How do your personal goals align with the team's goals?

I think the team just want to keep improving and we just want to better ourselves year on year. If we work on the little things I'm sure it will click.

What role do you see yourself playing on the team this season?

Hard question this one. I'm not exactly sure my role. Maybe I can be kind of a breath of fresh. I haven't played for a while but hopefully can bring something to the team.

And who will the Lions starting 10?

Got to be Fin Russell for me he's got it all the flair, knows how to manage a game and a wealth of experience. I do like the look of Fin Smith what he as done in a saint shirt is fantastic and seems to of brought that form with him to international stage