Even when badly injured on the field Alex tried to say sorry to us. It shows what type of man he is
ASHLEY Johnson revealed injured flanker Alex Rieder apologised to his Wasps teammates after his comeback lasted less than six minutes.
Following a five-month spell out of action out with a dislocated shoulder, Rieder arrived as a second-half substitute against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.
But disaster struck just minutes later when the 26-year-old suffered a ’serious multiple knee injury’ that saw him receive oxygen on the pitch and be stretchered from the field of play.
Rieder was due to see a specialist yesterday to assess the damage but it seems likely the former Rotherham Titans man is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
South African Johnson was the replacement summoned to replace his stricken teammate at the Ricoh Arena.
“I was gutted,” said Johnson. “Obviously at that point I needed to go onto the back row. I couldn’t watch on the big screen, it took me a couple of minutes just to get my bib off.
“He worked so hard. He’s a massive character within the squad and even he was saying sorry to the boys.
“I was like mate, you don’t need to say sorry! It just underlines the kind of character he is around the squad, feeling like he’d dropped the boys in it! I said there’s nothing you could’ve done.”
Victory for Wasps saw them strengthen their position in the top four of the Aviva Premiership with seven league games remaining.
For Johnson and his teammates, it’s all about going one better than last season’s final defeat to Exeter Chiefs – motivated in part by their injured teammates.
“Alex a massive character who worked his socks off to get back onto the field. It’s a massive loss for him,” added Johnson.
“Hopefully when we put ourselves in a great position at the end of the year, guys who are on crutches, guys who have helped us during the season, we can do it for them.
“We all want to be in the 23 but ultimately it’s bigger than that. It’s about the none 23 people and support staff. Ultimately we’re all working towards that goal of doing something special.”
Johnson has nothing but admiration for the wounded members of the squad who play a full part in motivating the squad every week, especially Rieder. “I couldn’t think about it if it was me, I’d be the total opposite. I would go into my shell, go a bit quiet, he’s just totally different,” added Johnson. “When people need a little pick up, guys who have played 80 minutes at the weekend and come in on Monday morning, he will be the guy. “Injured or not, coming in and just picking everyone up. He’s a great character. “Because of all the injuries, they’ve got their own little rehab group so everyone tries and stays positive and do things away from the rugby side to keep them fresh, to keep them motivated. “The physios and everyone are doing a great job. “Dave Breen (first team physio) is doing an amazing job in getting everyone back so I am sure he will put in the same effort as with the previous injury and we look forward to having him back.”
Alex is a massive character who worked his socks off to get back on to the field. It’s a massive loss Ashley Johnson