Van Velze better after ‘7-month hangover’

ALMOST five months after his comeback from a concussion that came close to ending his career, Worcester linchpin GJ van Velze says he now looks back on the head injury with a strange sense of gratitude.

“I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy to go through what I went through but it’s made me a better person, which I’m grateful for,” the loose forward told TRP.

Following a clash of heads against Saracens in the opening game of the 2016-17 season, Van Velze missed the rest of the campaign.

Unable to use his phone, watch television or read, the South African has described it as a “sevenmonth hangover”.

But now the Warriors vice-captain says he is more appreciative of rugby and the life he has.

And the injury has resulted in a change of training style which he says has improved his performance on the pitch.

“I’ve spent a lot of time changing the way I train and I think that shows,” said former Northampton No.8 Van Velze, 30 next month. “Credit needs to go to our medical staff. I’ve a different approach to the way I see my body and the way I get through 80 minutes.

“It was the first time I’d had a long-term injury since I’d been playing professionally. To get a long lay-off after 11 years makes you hungry and makes you appreciate the game a bit more.

“During the first four games back, the fact I’d had concussion was still at the back of my mind but there are so many other niggles now that you forget about it, which is great.

“I’m glad to be out there playing and I’m enjoying it. I’m not wondering about my head, I’m not worried about concussion, I’m not worried about collisions. I’m a better person for it.”

Van Velze has made 14 starts for Worcester since his return and he captained the side in last weekend’s Challenge Cup draw with Connacht.

“I’m happy with the way my body has reacted to the amount of rugby I’ve played this season,” he said.

“I’m physically much more agile. I’ve lost some weight where I needed to and it’s made me more agile around the park.”