French: Nice to be back
- Bevan French spoke in detail following his return to the field after 10 months out.
- French: “It was good, it felt like an eternity since I was on the field.”
- French also spoke to Wigan TV, you can watch the full interview HERE.
Bevan French said it was ‘nice to back out there’ as he recently made his long-awaited return to the field after almost a year out through injury.
French left the field with a hamstring injury at the AJ Bell Stadium against Salford Red Devils at the end of May 2021, and after over 300 days on the sidelines, Bevan French made his return to the field for the Warriors against Hull FC last week.
On his much anticipated return, French said: “It was good, it felt like an eternity since I was on the field, and it has been really but it’s been a long process to get back and I think it was just nice to be back out there and get that feeling again especially at home in front of the home fans. It’s good to be back and it was a gritty win but the win was a cherry on top.”
He added: “I love Rugby League so to have such an extended period away it was just great to get back out there and win the way we did in front of a home crowd, it was a special night and I got a warm welcome off the fans – not only at the game but generally since I’ve been back. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive so it’s been really good.”
Since his return, French was training individually before joining the team and was even been doing additional conditioning after full time against Hull FC: “I’m still a fair way off where I need to be I think. The boys had a tough pre-season and being back now they’re still working very hard during the week. I missed quite a chunk there so I take every opportunity I can to get back up to scratch and get back to my best and I have to do those things to get there.”
Questioned on how the Club has changed since he left the UK to return to Australia for Rehab last summer, he said: “A lot of people might not like hearing this but I think at this Club now, Rugby League doesn’t really come first. Obviously we still work hard and want to win everything there is but Matt has a big emphasis on getting to know each other on a deeper bond and really giving back and getting into the Community. I think he’s worked really hard on relationships and bonding so that was the main difference I noticed when I came back.
“He’s our Coach but he’s just like a mate as well, there’s been that big emphasis on building relationships within the Club and the town of Wigan itself and it’s a really enjoyable place to be.”
The Warriors number 1 was also questioned on whether he feels the competition with Jai Field who has been at full back for the Warriors so far this year: “I remember chatting with Jai the other year when he wanted to come over and I knew what he was capable of and last year he was unlucky with the injuries. I’m glad he’s got the chance to showcase that now, we knew what he was capable of so I might not get that full back spot again but that’s alright, for me it’s just about getting back on the field this year and competing and trying to contribute in any way I can.”
