Cardiff University Student Antoine Lere Makes Successful Return to Rugby Following Injury Recovery
Antoine Lere, an exchange student from France, has made a remarkable recovery after suffering a serious injury during a BUCS Super Rugby match for Cardiff University against Nottingham on October 16, 2024. The young player, who had only appeared in three games for the university’s rugby team, broke his ankle in the match, threatening to derail his promising start to life at Cardiff University. However, with a collaborative and expert approach to his rehabilitation, Antoine is now back on the rugby field and ready to continue his journey with Cardiff University rugby.
After the injury, Antoine wasted no time in connecting with those who could help him regain his strength and fitness. He teamed up with Luke Pollock, a former Cardiff University rugby captain and alumni who is now a qualified physiotherapist, to ensure his rehab was tailored specifically to the demands of rugby. Luke’s extensive rugby experience and physiotherapy knowledge proved invaluable in helping Antoine through the recovery process.
Luke Pollock, Former Cardiff University Captain and Physiotherapist, commented:
“Coming over to a new country and getting an injury as serious as that is a huge ask. Would be very easy for a player to sit back and “enjoy their year”.
He’s worked seriously hard, balancing university and living in a new country to get back as quickly as he has.
When asking Luke about the emotional challenges, he said:
“I think Antoine found the first few months tougher whereas I have found the last few months more challenging.
It can be tough to know how hard to push a player who will always want to do more, if that makes sense.
For me it’s been more about holding him back rather than trying to encourage him to keep going”.
Antoine’s rehabilitation wasn’t limited to physiotherapy alone. Tom Dickens, Cardiff University’s Head of Strength and Conditioning, worked in close collaboration with Luke Pollock to ensure that Antoine’s overall physical conditioning was also maintained during his recovery. Together, they crafted a plan that incorporated both rehabilitation exercises for his ankle and strength and conditioning routines that would ensure he remained in peak physical form.
Tom Dickens, Head of Strength and Conditioning, said:
“We wanted to make sure Antoine’s conditioning was just as strong as his rehab. The goal was to have him physically prepared for the rigors of rugby once he was cleared to return. It’s been fantastic to see him back on the field today, and I think his experience highlights the importance of a comprehensive and rugby-specific rehab program.”
After months of hard work and perseverance, Antoine returned to the rugby field for his first game back. His return was a milestone not just for him, but also for his teammates, coaches, and support staff who had helped him along the way. It was an emotional moment for Antoine, who was thrilled to be back playing the sport he loves.
Antoine Lere commented on his return:
“It was okay, in my head it was more a training than a game so no pressure.
I knew you can’t be great when you do your first game so I was just here to have some fun and to have the feelings back.
Being back playing rugby is a joy for hardworking Lere who has faced a challenging journey in a new country. Yet, as always, Antoine has been full of positivity.
“It’s really good to be back with the boys, to train and to play again. I am feeling good with this team so it’s always a pleasure to be with them.
Of course during the game I wanted to play more and to do some more joué like the freshers did but we were here to prepare varsity”.
Head of Rugby at Cardiff University, said:
“Seeing Antoine back on the pitch today was a real highlight. He has shown remarkable resilience and dedication throughout his recovery, and it’s great to see his hard work pay off.
His journey is a testament to the strength of our rugby program here at Cardiff University, where we combine expertise, support, and a shared commitment to excellence. Antoine’s story will undoubtedly inspire others in our squad, and we’re all excited to have him back.”
Antoine’s recovery and return to rugby exemplify the support system at Cardiff University, where alumni, experienced staff, and students work together to achieve success both on and off the field. With his injury behind him and a renewed sense of strength, Antoine Lere is ready to continue his rugby career and make his mark at Cardiff University.
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