Former Woodford star Andy Saull is keen to make up for lost time

After missing out on a trip to South Africa this summer Ilford’s Andy Saull has fired a warning shot to his domestic rivals.

After missing out on a trip to South Africa this summer Ilford’s Andy Saull has fired a warning shot to his domestic rivals, vowing to make up for lost time as quickly as possible.

Following another sizzling season in a Saracens shirt Saull looked all set to be part of an exciting new era of England rugby under new chief Stuart Lancaster.

However, a knee injury in the final weeks of the season has sidelined the flanker since, forcing him to watch on as the likes of Exeter’s Tom Johnson shone in the Red Rose in the southern hemisphere.

Saull admits it was a tough pill to swallow and the nature of the injury picked up against Sale last campaign means he is not entirely sure when he will return.

But the one thing the 24-year-old is certain of is that when he does eventually make his comeback, those who stand in his way are in for a rough ride.

“It was a shame I got injured, but it was something that happens,” he said.

“It was freak injury, three minutes into a Friday night game in Sale when someone got cleared out in front of me and landed on my leg. At first I thought it was just a niggle and I wanted to play on.

“It’s one of those things, that’s sport – you can’t get too down about it. Obviously watching the guys out in South Africa there’s always that ‘what if?, have I missed my chance?, was this my year?’ sort of question in my head.

“But all you can do is prove your thoughts right that you should have been there. All you can do is get back on the horse and make that next jump. I should be back hopefully mid-September. Our club don’t work on dates, they work on targets, and markers. Everyone is different with their rehab, but I can’t wait to get back and hit the ground running when I do.”

Saull is no stranger to the treatment table, as his debut season in 2007-08 was blighted by a broken leg.

The former Woodford star returned to win the Six Nations Grand Slam with England under-20s that same campaign and Saull is adamant he can return in style once again.

“Injuries seem to have been part of my career and it is just one of those things, you can’t get too down about it as it comes with the territory,” he added.

“It hasn’t stopped me from winning things, the Grand Slam, the Premiership, and I am sure that I can come back and help Saracens be successful again.”

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