Rugby is widely considered one of toughest sports in the world. Earlier in 2016 the coach of England’s national rugby team got them cross-training judo!
The effort has backfired in a spectacular fashion! One of the back-row forwards fractured his right fibula. The gentlemen below carrying the ball, Sam Jones is the player in question.
The 26-year-old has been out of action since shattering his leg and ankle while taking part in judo drills in Brighton in the build-up to the 2016 autumn Test campaign at Twickenham.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said Jones was set for a comeback in November but he said:
‘It was three or four injuries in one. He broke his leg, his ankle, his syndesmosis (a joint between the tibia and fibula at the ankle) and ripped all the ligaments in his ankle. It was horrendous.’
The England squad take to the mat to learn the art of Judo. pic.twitter.com/BBHrWLTAF9
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 4, 2016
Dailymail reports Jones recently returned to light training but that has led to discomfort. Sources have indicated he is seeing a specialist this week to gauge the extent of the latest setback but optimism about his prospects appears to be fading.
