Dragons ace back row Joe Bearman has been buoyed by the comments of the region’s supporters and is more determined than ever to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
Bearman suffered a small groin tear in the Magners League clash with Munster last season and despite several appearances for the Men of Gwent since the original injury, he has been struggling to get 100% fit.
“It’s been a really frustrating time for me but rehab has been going really well and I’m hoping to be back in the next few weeks,” he said. “After having surgery on muscle, it just takes a long time to get the strength up ready for the physicality of a match.
“ Although I aggravated the injury against Connacht, it was more of a flare-up than a recurrence of the more serious injury and our physios have been making sure that I don’t run the risk of returning too soon only to be sidelined again.
Joe has been making the most of his rehab time, getting out in the region. In addition to attending the Monmouth Young Rugby Festival last Sunday, Joe is part of a team of players getting out into local schools through our community coaching scheme.
“Although I’m raring to get back on the pitch, it’s also been good to have the time to spend with our supporters and local kids. I know that all the fans are behind me and it really means a lot. I’ve seen some of the support on the draggedup website and on Facebook and it does make me even more determined to get back for our fans. But the last thing I want to do is come back too soon and risk a longer layoff. We have a great group of back row players and I’ll probably have to work pretty hard to get back into the team once I’m fully fit.
Joe’s position on Welsh selection for the season has changed little since he was first touted as a potential international. “First and foremost I’m a Dragons player. Our squad is very tight-knit and playing for them is the most important thing. If I can get back to full fitness and get a few games under my belt, maybe things may happen, but regional rugby is my number 1 priority.”
