Injury made Dixon think about future
THE temptation to go overseas is always there, Highlanders cocaptain Ash Dixon says, but a serious injury earlier in the season made him realise what is important to him.
Dixon (28) wished all the best to departing Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa but the hooker will be staying in Dunedin for the next two years, having signed on with the southern franchise until 2019.
Dixon injured his back at the start of the season and, for a time, his future was in doubt.
He admitted the injury really made him think about his future and what he really cared about.
‘‘You are only in the game for a short time. At the start of the year it could have really been pearshaped for me,’’ he said.
‘‘But it came right so I am just looking forward. I think I had taken things a little bit for granted. I had to sort a few things out. I think I have come away from that a better person and a lot more under the belt.
‘‘With a young family in mind I’ve got to think of them a lot. I guess that is what came into my mind. I’ve got a couple of kids — one at school and one starting to dominate as much as he can.’’
Dixon said he totally understood why Fekitoa had headed to Toulon.
‘‘It will be a huge loss. He has had a massive impact on this club and on a lot of the boys here.
‘‘I’m just really proud of what he has done in the Landers jersey. He is a massive asset for his team and his club.
‘‘It is a huge loss but we just wish him all the best and know he is really looking forward to this weekend’s game.’’
Dixon, who will start off the bench for tonight’s game, said the expected wet weather in Christchurch might change the Highlanders plans for tonight’s match.
‘‘It just depends on how the weather is when we get there. If it is a bit heavy underfoot things will slightly change. But I think our attitude and what we will get out of the game will not change.
‘‘We will just have to front and it is just a oneoff game against the best team. We have got to come prepared and put everything on the line.’’