Chessum: I feared World Cup dream was over after freak ankle damage
O
llie Chessum has admitted fearing his Rugby World Cup dream was over when he dislocated his ankle through the Six Nations.
The Leicester lock thought he had simply twisted his ankle again in England coaching in March, however the shocked response of his team-mates made him look down.
His foot was on the incorrect angle to his leg, and Chessum conceded he thought his World Cup possibilities had gone in that second.
Chessum missed the Six Nations-closing 29-16 defeat in Ireland, however has since grafted again to full health – and gained a spot in England’s World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old hailed England’s coaches for preserving religion in his talents, as he inched again to function within the remaining two warm-up matches.
“When I first did the injury the first thing I said to Freddie Steward was ‘that could be my World Cup’,” stated Chessum.
“Obviously he said ‘don’t think like that’. But I was quite emotional at the time. There’ve been days in the last five months where I’ve thought it doesn’t feel great, but getting back was always the goal.
“It was just a bit of a freak training incident. I got a tackle from behind, I got my foot caught.
“Initially I just thought I’d rolled it, but as I rolled over and the lads were around me, I saw them all turn away and that’s when I knew I should probably have a quick look – and my foot wasn’t where it was supposed to be.”
England boss Steve Borthwick sounded a cautionary be aware when detailing Chessum’s damage blow again in March.
But the Boston-born second row insisted he rapidly realised he would have probability of constructing the World Cup if he recovered diligently and with none setbacks.
After weeks rehabbing with simply conditioning employees, Chessum was boosted by rejoining the primary squad – then lastly making a enjoying return off the bench within the 29-10 defeat by Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, August 19.
“Rehab is what you make of it, I wouldn’t say it’s enjoyable, but there are times where you can see the progress and be boosted by that,” stated Chessum.
The England ahead has battled again to health over the previous 5 months
/ Getty Images“From day one when my ankle wasn’t functioning at all to starting to run then building up, it’s fulfilling.
“But there were also days when I feared I wouldn’t make it, and you start to worry if it will ever function the way it did. That’s all part of it really. And in the end it’s flown by, taking it day by day has helped it fly by.
“I felt it was a learning experience ultimately, and in rugby it’s probably one I’ll go through again.”
Chessum emerged as an important scrummage element within the Six Nations, packing down at tighthead lock as England rebuilt their set-piece fame amongst each friends and officers.
The highly effective scrummager insisted he’s comfortable to play on both aspect of the scrum, however his performances within the engine room mark him out for a protracted future run within the 5 shirt.
If Chessum is again at absolute full tilt, then he’ll doubtless begin in opposition to Argentina in England’s very important World Cup opener in Marseille on Saturday week.
“I like scrummaging behind the tightheads, whichever side you play you have a massive role to play, but behind the tighthead it’s definitely a challenge,” stated Chessum.
“He’s scrummaging against two blokes in front of him so you’ve got to give something. Being in camp here with Dan Cole, obviously I’ve scrummaged with him a fair bit at Leicester, so I’m familiar with that.
“I’ve also scrummaged a bit on the loosehead side as well, so I feel comfortable on both sides.”