Ulster Rugby vs Munster

WIEHAHN HERBST ROAD TO RECOVERY

It hasn’t been an easy few months for South African prop Wiehahn Herbst who returns to the starting line up tonight following back to back injuries…

WIEHAHN HERBST

“My first injury started in January last season when I injured my toe ligaments,” explains Herbst. “I was in a moonboot for three weeks and during that time I worked a lot with Kev (Geary) and Ciaran (Sloan). They put me through the ropes, rehabbing me hard and we tried to get back for the end of the season but unfortunately I just didn’t make it. "So, at the start of this season, everything was going well and I was ready to go, then in the second week when we were doing some wrestling training, I tore my adductor muscle, which set me back another 12 weeks. So the surgeon had to reattach that and when rehab started. They noticed something was up so I had to go through a Lloyd Release procedure. Last week was 13 weeks post op, and I can’t thank Kev and Chris (McNicholl) enough for all their help with running and physio respectively, they have really helped me over the past few months. “While I was out and watching from the side- lines I thought the boys had a great start to the season. They have been doing really well and everyone is playing for each other. There is a

great vibe around the squad. It was disappointing to see the losses against Connacht and Bordeaux but the reaction to Paddy’s (Jackson) drop goal last weekend just proved how much it means to everyone. The boys are playing with so much passion for each other, which is great to see. “It’s been up and down for me over the past few weeks, but I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, it's great to be back with the team in training and back with the boys again. Last weekend, it was nice to get back out onto the pitch with the Ulster A side, to put any Ulster jersey over my head is a great feeling and a blessing to be back to full fitness. The lungs didn’t quite hold up as I would have expected but it was still good, the body felt good afterwards so I am looking forward to the next opportunity. “My fitness and game time was assessed last week, and it is great to be back training with the senior panel again. I have been waiting to get back out at Kingspan Stadium for a long time, so I was delighted to get the call up for a massive game against Munster!”

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