Brian’s Blog: Training, Rest And Toning It Down For Ireland

Things are progressing very nicely and I’m hoping to have some playing involvement with Leinster before the end of the season.

There have been peaks and troughs mentally on the rehabilitation road but I’m energised by the prospect of being able to play again and, over the next few weeks, stepping up the levels in training to incorporate skills work.

I have to be sensible but the body is responding positively. In fact the enforced lay-off has been hugely beneficial in offsetting the wear and tear of high level rugby over a sustained period of time.

I feel very fresh and the only minor quibble on my part in my desire to get back playing is that a two-month rest would have been preferential to the six-month injury sabbatical.

I’m in at 8am in the morning and usually have three sessions including physiotherapy done by lunch-time and then the rest of the day is my own.

I might be in line for some water boy duties again with Leinster in the near future.

The last time I suffered a longer term injury (post Lions 2005), I let my fitness run down to zero. I’m not willing to sacrifice a day in getting back this time so I’ve been working hard since the operation and remain dedicated to the recovery process.

It’s an attitude that comes with maturity but also a realisation of how much playing means to me.

It feels strange not to be involved in the RBS 6 Nations Championship. I’m intrigued by how the boys are getting on in camp, about new game-plans and the rejigged coaching structure.

I will be at the Wales game on Sunday because I was kindly given two tickets by IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne for the Presidential Box. I may have to tone it down vocally, which will be a real challenge, because I get animated watching matches.

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