FLANKER Dewald Potgieter insists Warriors’ fans haven’t seen the best off him yet following his return from an eight-month shoulder injury.
The South Africa international made his first appearance for the club in the recent Aviva Premiership defeat to Harlequins, since injuring his shoulder in Warriors’ away win to Newcastle Falcons in March.
But following successful surgery, the back row suffered a tear in his quadriceps while taking part in a speed running exercise during pre-season training. That problem also needed surgery.
Since his return to action, the 29-year-old admitted he still feels like a new Warriors player.
“It’s been a long road back, but I’m just happy to be playing rugby again. The fans haven’t seen the best of me yet,” said the former Bulls player.
“Despite playing just four games last season, I felt like I’d slotted in nicely, so to get injured so soon was supremely frustrating. It’s been the worst injury of my career as it’s my first long-term one.
“I never had a spell of bad luck during my time in Japan, Super Rugby and international rugby.
“But the fact the club hold on and support players through rehabilitation following long-term injuries relaxes you. They aren’t just going to throw you out with the dishwater, they’re really keen on players’ well-being and seeing out rehabilitation.
“I remember on my comeback against Harlequins I was scared I wouldn’t be able to last the full 80 minutes due to my short lung capacity at the moment. I was hoping there would be no early injuries which would force me on.
“It wasn’t until after half-time I was itching to get on. I crossed a mental barrier and no longer feared playing. No matter what a player says, everyone feels the same coming back from a serious injury.
“My body felt battered and bruised after the 20 minutes I featured. My wife had undergone eight months of training to prepare for the day after my first game back. I had a spot on the couch to rest. But it was a good feeling, you miss it.
“Funnily enough, I feel like I’m still a new Warriors player since I hadn’t been at the club that long before I got injured, so there’s still a big part of me that wants to get out on the pitch and show what I can do”.
Potgieter also admitted Warriors must up their game as the season progresses.
“There’s been spells where we’ve shown we’re a really good rugby side, but we’ve also had soft moments in games which have unfortunately cost us points,” he said.
“Glorious defeats aren’t good enough at this level. We need to start getting back on a winning track.”