BBC Sportrugbyunion

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 09:41 GMT, Saturday, 17 July 2010 10:41 UK

Dragon Martyn Thomas hopes for Christmas return

Martyn Thomas is stretchered off at Rodney Parade
Martyn Thomas is stretchered off at Rodney Parade in April

Newport Gwent Dragons full-back Martyn Thomas hopes to return before Christmas from the horrific injury he suffered in their defeat by Cardiff Blues in April.

Thomas underwent surgery to repair five leg fractures, ruptured ankle ligaments and a dislocated ankle.

He said: "All being well I could potentially be back in November.

"I'm trying not to put a date on it and get my hopes up, but I'm looking at getting back... with Newport or the Dragons, sometime around Christmas."

Thomas could make his return with Newport RFC in the Welsh Premiership before bidding to return to the Dragons' ranks.

He added: "It's good to have a bit of a break but when you're injured it is a bit different.

I knew I had done something serious straight away but then I looked down and saw how bad it was with my foot at a right angle

Martyn Thomas

"So I'm really looking forward to next week when I start the next phase of my rehab and link up with the new head of conditioning, Alex Lawson.

"I knew I had done something serious straight away but then I looked down and saw how bad it was with my foot at a right angle.

"I can remember just grabbing Wayne Evans; it was not so much the pain but the realisation of what had happened.

"I fractured my leg in five places, ruptured the ligaments and dislocated the ankle.

"They were able to put my ankle back in on the pitch and I had the operation that night, about three hours after coming off the pitch.

"I've had a plate put in, screws and one big one holding the fibula and tibia together.

"What made it worse was it was my 23rd birthday the next day and for the second time in three years I had to spend it in hospital, which isn't the best way to celebrate!

606: DEBATE

"I moved back to Llandeilo to live with my parents for a month so I was well looked after.

"I've also been to stay on a friends yacht in Spain and I've had a friend's stag do - So I have plenty to keep myself busy and feel refreshed.

"I like to stay positive about things. It was unfortunate that it happened but injuries do happen, what's important is how you come back from it.

"It's great to be back with the Dragons and having the boys around, and in time hopefully I can get back into training.

"Obviously they have brought in some new players like Matt Evans and some wingers, who will provide more competition.

"But I just can't wait to get my rehab underway, get fit and back playing. My goal is to get back into the side and cement my place for the second half of the season. It's a long road back, but hopefully I can get back to where I was."

Play was halted for almost 10 minutes as Thomas received on-field treatment for the second-half injury after he led an attack in the Blues' 22 with the visitors going on to win 20-14.



Print Sponsor


see also
Dragons suffer double player blow
24 Apr 10 |  NG Dragons
Dragons 14-20 Cardiff Blues
23 Apr 10 |  Welsh
Melbourne confirm Delve signing
28 Mar 10 |  Welsh
BBC Sport Wales coverage
03 Oct 11 |  Wales
RaboDirect Pro12
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
Heineken Cup
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
European Challenge Cup
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
Anglo-Welsh Cup
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
WRU Challenge Cup archive
12 Jul 06 |  Welsh
Welsh Premiership
11 Apr 07 |  Welsh
Swalec Leagues
11 Apr 07 |  Welsh
Rugby union positions guide
05 Feb 07 |  Laws & Equipment


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites