Player in the Pod - Leigh Halfpenny on Rehab

We spoke with Leigh Halfpenny ahead of his much anticipated return from injury. Halfpenny suffered a ruptured ACL in his right knee during a World Cup warm up game against Italy and underwent surgery. The injury was due to keep him out for 6 to 8 months. Almost six months on, he is nearing full strength and has been busy in rehab and actively participating in Under Armour’s #RuleYourself training campaign.

Leigh, great to hear you’re back in training. How’s rehab going?

Going well thanks – Five and a half months post-surgery and all’s on track – I’m seeing the surgeon very soon for my six month review and we will go from there, but it’s all going to plan.

What does rehab from an injury like this entail?

It’s hard work. I’m in there most days of the week. For the first three months, I was in in the gym doing weights and working hard. I’m now able to run, so working on fitness, skills, kicking and everything else I need to do to get back on the pitch, so it’s been really busy.

What have you made of the Welsh team’s performance so far in the Six Nations?

The boys are doing fantastically well. It was a great result against a tough French side. Focus is now on Twickenham, which is a huge challenge, but they will be preparing well and looking forward to it.

In terms of the kicking duties, you have some real competition given how well Dan Biggar has been kicking!

Yes, Dan’s doing a fantastic job. We’re really good friends, we grew up together and practice and train together. It’s no surprise to see how well he’s doing given how hard he works. I’m delighted to see him playing and kicking so well.

For me personally, the focus is just on getting my knee right. I’ve slowly started to kick again, getting the technique back and all those good habits - That’s my focus, nothing beyond that.

Your defence is another one of your key strengths, what’s created the fearless defender in you?

First and foremost, it’s my responsibility as 15. You are that last line of defence, when a player breaks, the expectation is on you. I see it as noting beyond my role to stop them.

More often than not they’re bigger than me. I enjoy that challenge with them running at me thinking I’m going to go over the top of you and I’m thinking, there’s no way you’re getting past me.

We’re all looking forward to seeing Halfpenny back on the pitch in the near future and we wish him all the best in his recovery.

Leigh Halfpenny is actively participating in #RuleYourself, the 24/7 training campaign on ‘what you do in the dark that will put you in the light’. For more information, follow @UnderArmourUK

Interview with Fred Culazzo from The Rugby Pod – www.TheRugbyPod.com