Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
NEW STRING TO HIS BEAU
Big Josh Beaumont’s aiming to be giant player like dad Bill... on and off the pitch
JOSH BEAUMONT raised a glass to his dad, England legend Bill, being re-elected as World Rugby chairman – and now the Sale star wants his own crowning glory.
The imposing forward has been out since November with a horror knee injury that was complicated by an infection which saw him undergo a second operation.
Beaumont was set to miss the rest of the Premiership season, but the Covid-19 crisis means the 28-year-old could now return to play a part in the Sharks’ belated title bid.
Since being champions in 2006, Sale have not even reached the play-offs, but a change of ownership four years ago has seen them re-emerge as contenders.
Beaumont, who stands 6ft7in, said: “I tore the patella tendon in my right knee at home to Wasps and it was a serious injury.
“It had probably been a bit of a ticking time bomb because I have suffered from tendonitis in that knee for a number of years.
“It has stemmed from all the line-out jumping I do and has been a tough rehab.
“I had an initial operation a week after but then picked up an infection which became quite serious.
“That meant having another operation in early January which set me back and would have put me out for the whole season.
“But I started running last week and it feels good, so I should be back within the next couple of months.
“The Premiership season could restart in August, so hopefully I can make that first game and show what I’m capable of doing.
“I’d love to start winning things with Sale. And having played for England against the Barbarians, I still have big ambitions to win a full Test cap.”
Sale were second when the season was suspended in March, and have resumed training. Beaumont added: “There’s a real desire here at Sale to win trophies.
“In my seven years, the best we’ve finished is fifth, but with this squad we feel we can go all the way.
“We have a really personal relationship with our owners and it’s a great place to be right now.”
Bill Beaumont, 68, captained England and last month was voted back in as the head of World Rugby.
Beaumont Jnr is busy studying for an MBA in sports business and is
Sale representative for the Rugby Players’ Association.
He added: “I’m very proud of my dad, my whole family are, and when he was re-elected we all got together and had a couple of beers, albeit over Zoom!
“It’s quite hard to implement certain changes in your first term as chairman but now I believe he can really push forward his vision, especially for a world season, which would be great for rugby.
“I’m enjoying my masters degree, the likes of football legend Lawrie
Sanchez, and exUnion players
Maggie Alphonsi and Christian
Day are on my course. Sports administration appeals as a career after playing, like my dad.”
He added:
“I love all sports.”