INJURY UPDATE

Wednesday 29th Spetember

Well I thought it only fair if I gave you guys a little update as to where I am. I could bore you with the details of what I've been up to, but to rather sum it up as 'nothing' would not only be appropriate, but accurate.

The problem with groin surgery is how much you use your groin on a day to day basis, from sneezing to coughing to laughing it's almost impossible to even walk upright after surgery like the type I had. And although I am mending nicely, these things take time and my patience is wearing thin.

I am also slowly going insane lying around everyday without being able to even take a walk to clear my head. I think I've seen every movie playing on TV at least twice and it's getting increasingly boring talking to myself, and my imaginary friend agrees.

But good news is that I shall be fighting fit before we all know it, the bad news is that I'll only be back on the field around finals time. Ah well - 've gotten over the depression and now just can't wait to get back on my feet.

Hope this finds you all well

Skeato

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INJURY UPDATE

Thursday 9 September

How can I describe the frustration of picking up a very unfortunate injury now?

How can I sum up the absolute worst timing of an injury to arrive into my life now?

Well, certainly I am no stranger to injuries, I don’t think many rugby players are and as far as huge breaks and dislocations and tears that require surgery go, I’ve had them all.

I guess in many ways it’s the belief in my ability, that I have developed over time with the help of all those injuries, to come back sooner, fitter and stronger that has helped ease my anger at the current curse - a groin tear.

Sure, I’ve joked and made light of the situation and I’ve tried to keep my mind occupied with other things other than my useless frustration. But humour does eventually fail.

I pride myself on my professionalism, my knowledge of what’s best for my body and, my ability to know what’s right for me and when it’s right. It’s possibly one of the reasons why I’ve basically played two French domestic seasons in a row with games for the Barbarians and Southern Kings thrown in without so much as a few weeks-max break, after an unlucky knock or two.

So much rugby, so many hours of training and finally I pick up some stupid little groin strain whilst in the gym. What the hell is that about then!?

The hours of rubs and stretching and diet and hot/cold baths and everything else to finally catch some dumb tear doing some silly running exercise in the gym! I mean what are the chances?

And, even worse than that, just at a time when I was playing some good rugby, settling in nicely into my new team and set up, and now this tear.

I am told (I’ll get final confirmation next week when seeing the specialist) that I might even need some small surgical procedure. Of all the rotten luck!

I guess it could be worse, it could have been a larger or a career-ending injury, but it still means that I will miss quite a few weeks of the Currie Cup and perhaps only be eligible for selection towards the semi-final stages.

So that’s a lot of great rugby I’m missing out on while I sit on my hands and wait till my body agrees to finally function the way I need it to.

Mom, you always says everything happens for a reason, but it’s hard to see the reason for this one. So, shot.

I also do know that after these few weeks of absence from the squad and from domestic rugby that I shall be back before I know it and fighting fit, with an insatiable desire to get on the field again.

I can only now observe as the team continues its Currie Cup season without me, perhaps even needing me, and wish them all the best as I scream my lungs out in the stands. I’ll be back to help my mates out soon though, just not soon enough for me.

Got to work on that patience as a virtue thing.

Skeato