Versatile Josh out to prove himself again
JOSH Beaumont says he has returned from his latest injury setback stronger than ever as he looks to force himself back into international contention.
The versatile, and as yet uncapped, Sale forward tore a bicep against Harlequins last October and underwent surgery for the fourth time in his short professional career.
But the 25-yar-old made a successful reappearance against Lyon in the European Challenge Cup last month and is now hoping for a good run of games.
“It wasn’t as bad an injury to come back from as the shoulder injury in terms of the rehab and the pain, the big thing for me was to make sure I was stronger than before,” he told TRP.
“Our head physio gave me lots of strength tests to make sure I was at the right level before going back into contact. What I was lifting in the gym and my power output was a big indicator as to when I was ready to return.
“Having had four operations, you’ve got to be diligent and can’t cut corners.”
Beaumont played in the back row against Lyon and then Toulouse before slotting into the second row in the 24-20 Anglo-Welsh Cup home defeat to Northampton.
“That was my second full 80 and I’m feeling good.
“Playing against the two French teams before that was a good test physically, it tested my arm and my shoulder and now I’ve been using these Anglo-Welsh games to get some minutes under my belt.”
If rumours are to be believed, Eddie Jones views Beaumont’s longterm future at lock instead of his preferred position at No.8. Being able to play both means he offers England an alternative option to Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes.
“They are both very athletic players and I see myself as an athletic player too. It is encouraging to see that at international level coaches don’t just view players in one position, they are willing to try out different combinations.
“I was just finding my feet in the second row and was kind of pleased with my form when the injury happened,” added Beaumont, who was named in Jones’ first-ever England training squad in January 2016 and has made two appearances for his country against the Barbarians.
“I don’t mind making the transition but looking back at my career, thus far, I seemed to have played my best rugby for Sale at No.8.
“Obviously, I’ll play wherever I’m picked and to be able to cover three positions comfortably (he plays blindside as well) is pretty useful.
“But I’d like to play more in the back row than in the second row.”
As son of Bill, the World Rugby chairman and former England Grand Slam-winning captain and lock, Beaumont Jnr is never short of any tips should he need them.
“He watches a hell of a lot of rugby, probably more than anyone else, and has a fair grasp of the modern game. So, I always listen to his advice.”