Searle’s back to fighting weight for Wasps

WASPSfly-half BillySearle is pumped-up and ready for battle with Lima Sopoaga after recovering from the horrific injury that threatened his career

Searle’s performances last season saw him earn the No.10 jersey ahead of ex-All Black Sopoaga, only for disaster to strike in February when he suffered an ankle dislocation and lower leg fracture whilst playing against former club Bristol.

Such injuries are notoriously difficult to overcome but effervescent Searle is nearing a comeback with the Premiership season approaching.

He told The Rugby Paper:

“I’ve been running for the last seven weeks now, doing all the changes of direction stuff, stepping and kicking.

“I lost about 7kgs (1st 1lb) after the injury, mainly leg muscle, but I’ve got all that back now and I’m back to my fighting weight of around 84-85kgs.

“Upper body-wise, I’ve put on a bit of size and I’ve done a lot of work with our conditioners to ensure I’ll come back leaner and stronger.

“It’s my first major injury so it was pretty frustrating having to watch the lads play, but it’s all sweet now and I’m pretty much ready to go.”

With veteran Jimmy Gopperth’s shoulder injury meaning an enforced fiveweeks lay-off, Searle is in a straight shoot-out with Sopoaga to start.

Searle added: “We’ve been able to push each other hard in training and that brings out the best in me.

“I’d been going pretty well before my injury so the plan’s been to get up to speed as quickly as possible and I’m in very good shape.

“Mentally, I’ve had no issues and both Lima and I are similar – confident characters who just try and make ourselves and the team better.”

Searle, 23, is looking forward to being reunited with England scrum-half Dan Robson.

He added: “We’re all gutted for Robbo that he’s not at the World Cup, but with him being available for us that’s great for our backline.

“He’s so sharp and can create things from nothing so with the attack we’ve got this season, it will be exciting to have him around.”