Injury-hit Bercis so relieved to be back in business

HAVING endured an injury ridden campaign last season, Ampthill openside flanker Joe Bercis is delighted to be back to full fitness and excited for the new campaign to get underway.

After a strong 2019/20 saw him named in the Championship team of the season, 28-year-old Bercis ended up playing just 14 games last season in what proved a stop start campaign.

“It was really frustrating,” he explained. “It was the worst year I’ve ever had with injuries, I had a hamstring tweak at the start, then I broke my ribs, then I had a neck injury with a bit of arthritis and then I had a Grade 3 tear in my pec. It was a shame because I felt I was playing some of the best rugby I’d played for a while.

“I’m not the young whipper-snapper I used to be. With my work as a roofer and rugby I’ve got to manage myself better this year in terms of workload. When you put your body through hell on the Saturday and then moving gas bottles about on the Monday it’s not the easiest.”

Ampthill finished sixth last season and the former Hartpury College and Ireland U18/19s international believes it’s important this season that the club don’t allow the tight games to slip away from them like they have done in the past.

“We lost to Donny in the last minute at our place with a maul try, so that was gutting to see,” he said. “We had a couple of other tight results that didn’t go our way so there’s no reason we can’t finish higher especially as the squad is looking strong this year as well.

“We haven’t finished above sixth yet in the Championship, so we’re desperate for a high finish this year.”

Bercis is eager for the new season and hopes for an injury free run to show he can compete with the best in the second tier.

He added: “I can’t wait to get back out there. I’ve got some young lads snapping up my heels, so I’ve got to pick up my game this year – but I’m buzzing to get back and to play a full season would be nice.”