The return of Ben Te’o is a rare shining light in England’s injury gloom and the Worcester centre has revealed he dug into his own pocket to fund a six‑week rehab programme to ensure he is fighting fit for the Six Nations Championship.
Te’o spent thousands of pounds to fly to Brisbane in December and team with two highly regarded former NRL colleagues, embarking on an intensive training regime and adopting a strict diet to boost his recovery from ankle surgery in October.
‘Physios, trainers, flights, food — it cost thousands but it’s worth it,’ he said.
‘I didn’t mind picking up the tab because I know it’s going to pay me back one day.
‘I went out to Brisbane and was with two guys, a physio and a trainer, who I worked with at the Broncos (his former club in Australia’s National Rugby League).
‘When you’re at a club, you’ve got to fit in but this was all tailored towards me. The ankle’s feeling really good now. There’s a bit of hardware in there from surgery — some tightrope to pull the tibia and fibula together, plates and screws — but it all adds to the body.
‘I’m so hungry to get back into it. I’m good to go against Italy. I’ll be ready if I’m selected. Hopefully I get a good week back next week and compete for a spot.’