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Gregan feels revitalised
16/11/2006 14:26 - (SA)
Sydney - George Gregan says his absence from the Wallabies' European tour will ensure that he is in good shape for next year's Rugby World Cup in France.
International rugby's most-capped player has returned to pre-season training with his provincial team ACT Brumbies and said on Thursday he will greatly benefit from the fitness ground work he is now putting in.
Critics have called for Matt Giteau to retain the Wallabies' No 9 jersey after some impressive performances since switching from inside-centre on the European tour in 33-year-old Gregan's absence.
"I haven't had an opportunity to focus on my training like this for about a decade," Gregan said in a Brumbies' statement on Thursday.
"You normally don't get a chance to have an extended break unless you're injured.
"My intent was always if I was able to play in the World Cup in 2007 that I would have an off-season one or two years out.
"I had a break in 2000 which was injury-related. I didn't go on the end-of-season tour and I had a very good year that year. I know from my own personal experience that I'll be in good shape next year.
"I've already had a six-week block of training on my own which has been really good.
"But it's good to take it to the next level and get a bit more intensity into the training. It's also good to have a look at some of the stuff we're looking to get into our game for next year."
The veteran scrum-half said the break from playing will stand him in good stead for the 2007 season.
"I'm really looking forward to these next three weeks of training and leading into the new year with an intense pre-season," he said.
"Compared to previous years, I've been away (on the Wallaby European tour) and mentally, you never feel as though you've had a good break.
"By having this off-season I'm able to do some training that I haven't been able to do for the last ten years because of the nature of the 11-month season."
- AFP
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