Andy Symons admits he’s ‘very excited’ about stepping back out on the field for Warriors after eight months on the sidelines.
The centre last featured on Saturday 18 April as Warriors thumped Cornish Pirates in the Championship but after a knee injury, the 6ft 5in back will return to the field against Gloucester Rugby this Thursday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
He said: “It’s been a long time coming but I’m very excited to get back out there. I can’t wait to pull on the jersey again.
“I’ll be looking to blow a few cobwebs away and do what I’m used to doing and hopefully bring some physicality into the midfield and to try and get some form.”
The former Tasman Makos player has bulked up during his time on the sidelines and thanked the Club for helping him return to fitness.
He explained: “I’ve had seven months to get myself in good nick. The Club have been great to me having sent me out to the USA to see one of the best knee re-conditioners in the world and I feel a lot better than I have before.
“I’ve also put on around 10kg so I’m up to 112 now. When you can’t train there’s limits on what you can do on your lower body so it gives you an opportunity to stick in the gym and work on your top half.”
And with Gloucester travelling up the M5 for the second of four derbies between the sides this season, Symons knows a tough task lies ahead.
He added: “Local derbies are always tough and Gloucester will be difficult to break down.
“My debut was at Gloucester for my first taste of Premiership Rugby so I’m looking forward to facing them again. They’re a strong team but we need to focus on our own game and be clinical and take what we’re given.
“I'm looking forward to being up against Henry Trinder as I spent a lot of time with him in USA during my rehab.”
Tickets are still available for tonight's game by clicking here and will also be available on the gate.