White’s new op

Jenny Dixon
20/ 6/2008

SHARKS captain Jason White is to undergo his second operation of the summer today.

Having already had a ‘tidy-up’ operation on his knee, White now needs a similar procedure on his shoulder to ensure his body is at its best for the new season.

White said: "My knee is doing very well but there have been a few complications and I have got to have a tidy-up on my shoulder on Friday.

"Once my knee and shoulder are sorted I’ll be fit for the start of next season."

After a five-week break spent "relaxing, spending time around the house and 10 days in Crete with my wife," White returned to Sharks’ Carrington training base for the start of pre-season on Monday.

Although his physical fine-tuning must wait until he has recovered from his operations, White is busy mentally preparing for the gruelling season that lies ahead.

"I was on the sidelines because I am limited as to what I can do," he said. "Everyone has got to find their feet now. There’s a few new faces and Steve Walsh [fitness coach] is working us quite hard, as you’d expect.

"Pre-season is tough. Players are put under stress and it is physically hard – players go home tired and sleep well at night! But this is a time when we can show our work ethic and determination, which will stand us in good stead for next season."

After a disappointing conclusion to Sharks’ last Premiership campaign, in which a home loss against London Irish cost them a play-off place, White and his team-mates are no longer dwelling on what could have been.

White added: "It took a good two or three weeks to get over that and it was hard to watch the semi-finals, but it is great to get a rugby ball back in your hands and work on putting that to bed."