Sherry’s Return To Rugby

Three games into his long-awaited comeback in the red jersey, Munster’s Mike Sherry reflects on his return to action and discusses his ambitions for the coming season.

Despite Munster suffering a comprehensive pre-season defeat to Connacht in the hooker’s first game in almost two years, one notable positive for Anthony Foley and his management team was Sherry’s try scoring return from which, most importantly, he suffered no ill-effects.

“I nailed my first two line-outs and got a try after that but then I started blowing hard and it became a struggle. It was a very tough match and I couldn’t move the next day but more than anything it was great to be back. I was surprised how emotional I was, normally emotions don’t run as high for pre-season games but I never thought I’d play again.

“I was delighted when I did touch down for the try. My family were there and it was nice to do it in front of them. My father loves going to the matches and for two years I was going to watch with him as opposed to being on the pitch. I’m sure they were very nervous as I went into every contact but thankfully it worked out ok.”

The 27 year old lined out for Munster in Thomond Park that night following a knee and three shoulder surgeries that kept him sidelined since November 2013.

“Being back involved is something I am so grateful for. I try not to complain if you have a long day, it’s nothing compared to rehabbing on your own in a gym and not getting results. You can’t compare how good a feeling it is to be back around the squad playing, travelling at the weekends and doing camps. Taking part in the full programme is incomparable.

“At the start my throwing was affected. I couldn’t even lift 2kg over my head, let alone feed the line-out. I did a lot of work with Fla (Jerry Flannery) and when we’re not doing squad sessions I’m in practicing my throwing. For the first two months of pre-season it was very wobbly and I was wondering if it would ever come back, but thankfully it did.”

Drafted into the 2011 World Cup squad as cover for Rory Best, the Limerick native made his full international debut against the USA in 2013 and despite his injury setbacks, Sherry’s hunger to represent both province and country has never waned.

“I will enjoy my rugby a lot more for as long as I can play but my ambition has remained the same. I still want to nail down a starting position in Munster first and foremost and I still want to get involved with Ireland. Duncan Casey took his opportunity really well when I was injured and for all intents and purposes he is the number one in Munster so I want to get back there and get back into the Ireland squad and show what I can do.”

Last Saturday saw Sherry make his return to competitive action in the Guinness PRO12 against Treviso and could feature in Anthony Foley’s matchday squad to play Ospreys this weekend. The Head Coach will name his side for the Round 2 clash at midday tomorrow.

Read more about Mike’s road to recovery here.

Ospreys v Munster, Guinness PRO12 Round 2, Sunday September 13th at Liberty Stadium – KO 2.30pm.