Not Again

I live in Gloucestershire, so naturally, I was pleased last night when the cherry and whites beat Newcastle at Kingsholm.

But I couldn't help feeling gutted for one man, this has to be the saddest ongoing story of any player in sport, Johnny Wilkinson injured again.

From World Cup Winning hero and a national icon, Johnny has become a treatment table stricken athlete for the last six years. A scan today has revealed Johnny will be facing another lengthy layoff after dislocating his knee.

I'm not surprised, but your heart has to go out to the man. No one in the game is as focused and committed as Johnny Wilkinson, this must be his equivalent of serving a lengthy jail sentence at the moment.

I can’t think of one athlete in sport that has suffered anywhere near the same fate of recurring serious injuries, no one parallels this man’s misfortune.

Yes there are players who have had a career ended with one tackle, but to be given hope over and over again and then to be knocked back time after time is something only a man of Johnny’s stature could come through.

He lives and breathes rugby, a massive fan as well as a player, but I really don't know how many more injuries this player can withstand and come back from.

Steve Bates director of Newcastle Rugby said after the game: "He has enormous strength of character and I’m sure he will come back stronger."

Thanks Steve but I think we already knew that, it's got nothing to do with strength of character this is just an unbelievable run of horrendous luck.

And for coming back stronger, please! I think we know Johnny will be shattered by this latest setback and it has to be on his mind every time he comes back fit, when am I going to get injured again?

What’s so disheartening is that Johnny plays some great rugby for Newcastle, he was instrumental against Northampton this season kicking a very impressive 23 points.

You can't help but wonder if Johnny was given a long clean bill of health he could eclipse that form that won him a world cup winner’s medal seven years ago.

But that will never happen, I hoped it might, but I’m completely resigned to the fact Johnny's career is quickly ending.

I'm sure science will tell you there’s only so many pulls, strains, knocks and twists the human body can take.

All I can say is get well soon Johnny!