Worcester Warriors boss Mike Ruddock has reported positive news from the treatment table at Sixways Stadium – with a number of players now ahead of schedule for a return to action as pre-season gathers pace.
Warriors will hit by a catalogue of serious injuries last term with stars names like Chris Latham and Sam Tuitupou ruled out of action for long spells.
Director of Rugby Ruddock is eager to avoid a repeat in the 2009/10 Guinness Premiership campaign and has been delighted by the progress made as the clock ticks down to league action in just over two months.
“In terms of injuries we are fairly pleased with our status with many players ahead of schedule,” said Ruddock.
“Chris Latham, who we missed towards the back end of last season, is back in training and over his injury which is great to see.
“Other players like Sam Tuitupou and Chris Pennell, who also missed the end of last season, are also back in active training.
“Although they are not fully integrated just yet in the main programme, both are ahead of schedule and we’re hoping that at some stage soon they will be able to drop more into our skills and team training.
“Kai Horstmann is not feeling any issues after his rib injury and back with us and Tevita Taumoepeau is back in training. He has already dropped into some team and skills training and he is fully on course for the start of the season.”
Ruddock has also been pleased with the progress of prop Matt Mullan and scrum half Ryan Powell – who have both gone under the knife for shoulder surgery in the summer.
“Matt Mullan is ahead of schedule and, although not fully integrated in the pre-season programme, I don’t envisage any difficulties with him being available for the start of the campaign.
“Matt is a highly motivated individual who should beat the medical projection for his return by a country mile.
“Ryan Powell has had surgery, but has now been given the all clear to start to work on his passing after the shoulder operation.
“It will take him a few more weeks before he can drop into the programme and fully extend his range of passing skills. However, he is also ahead of where he was expected to be and we are very confident he will be available for the start of the season.”
Ruddock has also confirmed that fly half Matthew Jones is set to return to the specialist for an update after foot problems.
“Matthew Jones is due to see the specialist. Given the unpredictable nature of this injury we will make sure that we give him the best possible support at all times to enable him to make a full recovery.
“With that in mind, we haven’t set a specific deadline for his return but he is remaining upbeat and is working very hard.”