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BBC Rugby Union News: Jack Van Poortvliet Set for Long-Awaited Return
Published: 13:05 BST, 21 March 2024 | Updated: 13:05 BST, 21 March 2024
England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet is poised to make his long-awaited comeback for Leicester Tigers in their Premiership clash with Gloucester at Welford Road tomorrow. The 22-year-old has been sidelined since suffering ankle ligament damage during the World Cup warm-up fixture against Wales last August, which forced him to miss out on the global showpiece in France.
Before the unfortunate setback, Van Poortvliet had firmly established himself as England’s first-choice No. 9 under Steve Borthwick. However, his injury paved the way for Northampton’s Alex Mitchell to seize the opportunity and become the preferred scrum-half during the World Cup and the recent Six Nations campaign.
Now, after a grueling and painstaking rehabilitation process, the talented young Tiger is ready to make his return to the rugby union gameplay. His availability will provide a timely boost to Leicester’s push for a Premiership play-off spot, while also offering Van Poortvliet a chance to impress national team coach Borthwick ahead of England’s upcoming summer tour of Japan and New Zealand.
“It was obviously an incredibly tough injury for him – the timing which meant missing a World Cup. It was tough not just for him but for his family as well. He got over his disappointment and he ripped into his rehab really professionally, but along the way he’s had a couple of setbacks.”
– Dan McKellar, Leicester head coach
McKellar added:
“I can only judge his hunger from the number of times he has come to me or knocked on my door, wanting feedback and conversations around when his chance might come. He’s desperate to get back out there.”
With Mitchell’s impressive performances during his absence, Van Poortvliet will face a stiff challenge to reclaim his spot in the England national rugby union team. However, the young scrum-half is determined to make the most of this opportunity and stake his claim for a regular place in the Red Rose setup.
Rugby union news fans will be eager to follow Van Poortvliet’s comeback and see how he fares in his long-awaited return to the pitch, as he looks to reestablish himself as a key figure for both Leicester and England.
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