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Czekaj the forgotten man of Welsh rugby

Friday 20th June 2008

Painful memories: Czekaj is relishing getting back into action

Rugby either moves with or without you, and in Chris Czekaj's case it has moved without him for the past twelve months - that is until now.

It has been a long year for the 22-year-old Czekaj who suffered a horrific injury on Wales' tour of Australia last year. The promising wing broke his femur in five places and it was feared he may not make a full recovery.

Twelve months on and he is back in pre-season training with Cardiff Blues, who started back on Friday, and is loving every minute of it.

Rugby players are not usually fans of pre-season training, but for once Czekaj can't wait to get back into action - even if there is a long month of conditioning ahead of him.

"I am nervous, but really looking forward to it, too," said Czekaj speaking exclusively to the South Wales Echo.

"I have been told I can do everything, but I haven't done any kind of contact training.

"But the only way to really find out if everything is okay is to throw yourself into it. It will just be great to be back with the boys.

"I have been given the all-clear and just want to get out there.

"The nearer it has come to pre-season, the worse I have been because I just want to get on with it.

"I was told I would be out for 18 months to two years, but I am back much earlier than that.

"It will be about 14 or 15 months if I get back playing by the start of the season."

With six caps to his name already, as well as a debut try against Canada in 2005, Czekaj has a promising career ahead of him.

But that could have all been so different, especially given that his injury was compared with those suffered in extreme motorbike crashes.

Czekaj was not about to let his dream slip away though and set his mind to making a full recovery from the injury that ruined his chances of going to the 2007 World Cup.

"It's been tough, but I always thought I would get back," said Czekaj.

"My family and especially my girlfriend Kath and my brother Michael have been great. They have kept me going, but it hasn't been as tough as I thought it would be.

"You just get your head down and go through the rehab and work hard. You don't think too far ahead and just keep working."

Czekaj will be the first to admit that the injury has changed him as a person, it has forced him to mature as a player and an individual.

It was his own determination that made this recovery possible and has made him realise just how much the game means to him.

"I always loved the game, but, after being away from it for so long, I realise how much it means to me," said Czekaj.

"I have always wanted to play rugby and having it taken away from me has been really hard.

"But I didn't realise how determined I could be when something I love is taken away from me.

"This was my first injury and it has been tough, but now I couldn't be happier being back."

Czekaj admits he hasn't set any firm goals so early in his comeback, but makes no qualms about wanting to be playing for the Blues sooner, rather than later.

He is wise enough to realise he will not just walk back into the Blues side, and will more than likely have to prove himself with Cardiff RFC, but there is no stopping him setting his sights high once again.

"The aim is to get back playing for the start of the season," said Czekaj.

"That might mean a couple of games with the Blue & Blacks before starting with the Blues.

"But I want to get back playing for the Blues and playing for Wales again is definitely in my sights.

"I don't know if Warren Gatland, the Wales coach, knows anything about me, but I have to make sure he does by playing well.

"The Blues will be hard enough with the likes of Jamie Roberts and Tom James, but I just have to prove I am good enough to be in the side."