AFTER 761 DAYS,
Anscombe can finally put his injury nightmare behind him
GARETH Anscombe admits there have been times over the last two years when he wondered whether he would ever see light at the end of the tunnel.
But, on a Friday night in Northampton, he finally emerged from that tunnel as he played his first game of rugby in 761 days.
It was way back on August 11, 2019, that he sustained the serious knee ligament damage which was to consign him to such a long and challenging road to recovery.
He had been on top of the world going into that match against England at Twickenham, having guided Wales to the Grand Slam just a few months earlier.
But, suddenly, his world came crashing down.
Not that he could have had any idea at the time that he would be out for quite so long.
However, a year in, he suffered a major setback, with further surgery required.
There would have been dark days along the way and he admits he did get pretty negative and down at times.
But, happily, that is all behind him now.
Making his debut for the Ospreys more than two years after joining them from Cardiff, he emerged unscathed from his comeback against the Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, departing as planned just before half-time.
Wearing No. 10, he looked in good nick, settling any nerves with an early conversion from wide out and showing some nice touches with ball in hand.
But the most important thing is he is back, and afterwards he attempted to sum up his emotions.
“It’s hard to describe really,” said the 30-year-old.
“It’s been a long process and it’s certainly been pretty challenging at times.
“It’s been tricky. There have been so many ups and downs, it’s been so much longer than ever I thought originally.
“I have just got to thank a ton of people. There have been so many people behind the scenes that have worked long hours with me.
“They have put up with me being pretty negative at times and pretty down.
“They are the guys I owe a lot of this to, along with my family that have been amazing with supporting me and giving me a boost when I needed it, because at times it was quite tough to see the light.
“I am just really thankful I have had such a strong network around me.
“The people at the Ospreys have been amazing and really supported my journey. I have had help from the WRU, which has been nice.
“Look, we are finally here. It’s been a combination of a lot of things.
“I never expected it to take this long, I don’t think anyone did. It’s been a long hard road.”
Reflecting on how his return went, Anscombe – who has since jetted off on holiday with his wife Milica to meet up with Liam Williams and his fiancee Sophie Harries – added: “Finally to get the chance to wear the white jersey and run out with the boys means a lot.
“It’s been a long time coming and a lot longer than I would have liked. But to finally put on the boots and play 35 minutes is really pleasing.
“The knee has come out really well and hopefully now it’s just the start of my journey with Ospreys. All in all, I’m pretty pleased and just glad to get back out there.
“Now I get to look forward to playing some rugby throughout the year and hoping I can lead this team around.”
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth made a point of paying tribute to the resilience Anscombe has shown in overcoming his setbacks.
Speaking about the fly-half’s return in a narrow 31-26 defeat, he said: “It’s the best story of the night really.
“I am delighted for him, delighted for all the people who have helped put him back together, I am delighted for all the Ospreys fans.
“It’s a good news story because it’s been a long, long journey.
“To get a setback on such a serious injury and almost have to start again, that shows a great deal of resilience.
“To be a successful player in any sport, you have to have resilience and self-belief. He has showed that in spades.
“I think it’s only right that I mention our medical team for putting him back together and being very deliberate. We have utilised lots of specialists in different places, in Ireland, etc, we have put a lot of resources into getting Gareth back
and it’s important everyone understands it’s a team effort and he will be the first to acknowledge that.
“That’s his first game for the Ospreys. It’s not like he had been playing here before and putting an old pair of comfort slippers on.
“He’s had to learn new.
“It’s not just being back, it’s being back in a new environment, a new team, with new coaches.
“So credit to him.
“He will only get better the more time he has got in the saddle.
“I am really delighted for him.
“To come off as planned just before half-time means he is set up to kick on and hopefully stay fit.
“He was a bit frustrated. Like all 10s, he wants more attack. It was a bitty first half with lots of ebb and flow and lots of mistakes from both sides.
“I think he would have liked a few more opportunities, but he’s got plenty of rugby hopefully to come.”
Booth said it was important to manage expectations over the 27-times capped playmaker.
“Hopefully people are realistic about his performances,” he said.
“I know people will see him playing and will think ‘right, he’ll be starting for Wales in the autumn’.
“Everyone talks about that. We just need to make sure the athlete is based at the centre of this.
“We all want the same thing. We just want him back playing the best he can be and everyone will benefit then.
“We have always said he’s ready when he’s ready.
“We have to be realistic in where he is after such a long time.
“The whole aim of this block was to get him to a point where he could play some rugby.
“He has done that.
“Then we will see where he is and we can start loading him up and see how far he can go.”
The Ospreys begin their United Rugby Championship campaign away to Dragons on Sunday, September 26.