Devoto playing catch-up after injury set-back

AFTER exhausting his own patience and that of his physios, Exeter centre Ollie Devoto has declared himself ready to stake a claim for an England recall after recovering from a mystery shoulder injury that threatened to wreck his campaign.

Devoto, who toured Argentina in the summer after helping Chiefs claim their first Premiership title, had been looking to capitalise on a fine season before a seemingly innocent knock in pre-season confounded the Sandy Park medics. Devoto, 24, told The

Rugby Paper: “A combination of weight training and a couple of knocks caused the initial problem, but instead of taking the week or two to clear up we thought it would, the injury took a lot longer than expected.

“It was a weird one, to do with a nerve in my shoulder rather than the muscle, and it was a waiting game while it settled down. I’d be lying if I said I was a patient person and I’ve fallen out with a few physios, but it’s good to be back now.

“The upside is that it’s a long season and the enforced lay-off has allowed me to do a lot of running. Fitness-wise I’m right up there now, it’s just the contact stuff I need to catch up on, but hopefully I haven’t missed too much rugby.”

After making his longawaited comeback against Northampton yesterday, Devoto is desperate to make up for lost time with England.

He added: “I went on tour in June and that was a great experience. To be involved in that set-up again capped off a great year for me, but equally you want to be back in that environment and I’ve got a long way to go now after injury.

“Consistency is the biggest thing Eddie Jones is looking for from me, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the mix at Exeter.”

Devoto’s return is well timed. He explained: “Henry Slade’s away with England now so having myself and Sam Hill fit again is a plus. And we’ll also have guys like Dave Ewers and Luke CowanDickie back to further strengthen our squad.”