After a ‘long road’ to recovery, Leicester Tigers wing Adam Thompstone is fit and firing ahead of a Derby Day clash with Northampton Saints.
The 32-year old made his first appearance in Tigers colours for more than nine months when he took to the field in the win over Bath last time out.
And now, after a seemingly endless pre-season of rehab and fitness training, Thompstone is itching to get back on the field in front of the Tigers Family if selected this weekend.
“It’s been tough,” he says. “Finally, to get out last week was the icing on the cake. It’s been a long, long road so it was great to be back out there.”
“We want to pride ourselves on digging in for each other.”
Adam Thompstone
Thompstone played more than an hour in his return to action at The Rec, and explains the knee issue that dogged much of his last campaign was finally – and immediately – put to bed after his first involvement in the game.
He adds: “You are a bit nervous because it’s been so long, but after that first tackle, that first carry, you forget about it and you’re just back playing rugby.
“I felt really good, obviously a little bit sore on Sunday morning, but hopefully I can keep progressing from here.”
For Thompstone, a return to play in a side looking to hone its cutting edge couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I definitely think it suits my game,” he adds, when asked if the club’s renewed attacking style will help him add to his tally of 36 Tigers tries to date.
“Everyone’s pulling in the right direction, and everyone’s trying to do the right things. We feel that we’re in a good place, but there’s a lot more to come.
“We’re not the finished article by [any] stretch of the imagination, but we want to pride ourselves on digging in for each other, and we saw that on Saturday.
“We are working for each other and will continue to do that – it has been our focus all pre-season and will continue to be.”
A Premiership Rugby Cup pool fixture against East Midlands rivals Northampton Saints is next on the agenda for Thompstone and his team-mates, with the start of the Gallagher Premiership season a week later burning bright on the horizon.
“As ever, Tigers fans are there no matter where it is or what game we are playing,” he adds.
“They are loud and strong in numbers, and we are very lucky to have them behind us.”
Back the boys in their return to Welford Road this Saturday, October 12 (3.00pm) and secure your place from just £20 for adults and £10 for juniors. Supporters are encouraged to BUY EARLY for the best-priced tickets.
