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'I thought nothing of it... but it got progressively worse'
Adam Beard defied the odds to play a role in Wales’ 2019 World Cup campaign after undergoing appendix surgery but is now feeling in the shape of his career.
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Wales lock Beard said he is “the fittest I have ever been” ahead of Saturday’s tournament warm-up clash against England at Twickenham.
Four years ago, the Wales squad departed for Japan without Beard, who had made the journey to Heathrow before worsening stomach cramps meant he headed straight back home, into hospital and had an operation.
“It was a bit crazy,” Beard said.
“I remember the night just before travelling and going down with stomach cramps, and I thought nothing of it. I thought it might be a bit of trapped wind or whatever.
“But it got progressively worse and I wasn’t deemed fit to fly by our doctor. I then had my appendix removed as soon as I got back.
“It was a bit of a curve-ball and a bit of a setback, but I am just thankful the coaches gave me that time to recover and get me out there to Japan when I was fit and raring to go.
“If you asked me when I was coming off that operating table from the appendix operation I probably would have said that I wouldn’t have played at that World Cup.
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“I was lucky that the coaches gave me that chance and had the belief in me to go out there and perform for them.
“I definitely know my appendix won’t go this time, so I should be OK. Hopefully, touch wood, nothing like that happens with the lead up to this World Cup.”
Ospreys forward Beard started Wales’ final pool game against Uruguay and went on to make three further appearances, including as a replacement in the quarter-final appointment with France and semi-final loss to South Africa.
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With 46 caps under his belt and firmly established as a key member of Wales’ leadership playing group, that experience will be essential for head coach Warren Gatland as he formulates his World Cup squad.
Beard added: “Just looking at my stats – my fitness test scores, body composition, strength – it’s the fittest I have ever been.
“So, physically, going into these games I am in a really good position and just looking forward to getting the rugby side of it going now. Hopefully, I can put in a good performance on the weekend.”
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Wins
0
Draws
0
Wins
5
Average Points scored
17
30
First try wins
40%
Home team wins
40%
Beard will be part of a Wales team at Twickenham that includes six current or past Ospreys forwards, captained for the first time by hooker Dewi Lake.
“You know what Dewi brings – that physicality and presence around the park,” Beard said.
“For such a young man he is a great leader and he has shown that through the age grades.
“He has taken to it very well this week, spoken very well when he has needed to. He hasn’t overdone it.
“Sometimes when guys go into that leadership role they feel like they have to speak a lot, but when Dewi speaks people listen and I think that is definitely a good show of his character.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments