| Venue: RDS Dublin Date: Saturday, December 3 Kick-off: GMT 19:35 |
| Coverage: Live on BBC Sounds & BBC Radio Foyle |
James Hume stated that he felt “mentally vulnerable” after playing for Ireland in the match against an All Blacks team on 4 November. Now he wants to be back at full fitness and his best.
Hume sustained a groin injury during the June first midweek game on Ireland’s summer tour of New Zealand.
The action resumed for Ulster by the 24-year-old against Munster On October 29,
Hume stated that he was operating at 60% for the Munster and Ireland A games, which is far below what I should have been.
“I had an issue just above where my surgery was, and I just didn’t manage it correctly,” said the three-times capped Ireland center.
“I was just playing it off like it wasn’t something serious, and halfway through the Ireland A game I felt something so that I told myself, “I’m still not ready yet.”
“It was a blessing getting back from Ireland, rehabbing it, and discovering that it was something that I needed to continue.
“Now I am building my way back up with training loads. This is what you want, exposure to high training loads and games.
“I feel closer, but I still have a long way to go before I get there.”
‘In horrible form’
Hume was named Ulster’s Player Of The Year in 2021. He revealed that his injuries had been exacerbated by mental issues.
“I was a bit mental fragile in my own mind after that.” Ireland A gameI was wondering if this would get better. Can I go back to the way I played last year? I don’t want to be a flop for one season.
“All of this happens in your head, and it’s something that you can’t control. For several days I was in horrible shape.
“If it doesn’t get you out of that place, you can stay there for a few weeks so I cut that in the bud right away.
“I told myself, “This was stupid. I need wise up.” So I went back to rehab, worked hard, and got my license.
Confidence is growing
Hume, who was a participant in Ulster’s win over Zebre at Kingspan Stadium in the United Rugby Championship, returned to competitive action and will feature in Saturday’s top of-the-table interprovincial game with Leinster in Dublin.
Hume stated, “I feel confident now and getting the ball on Friday night has brought me confidence up an additional level.”
“When you have surgery in this area, it’s natural to want to protect it. But at the weekend, I felt that I could trust it a little more.
“Footwork, explosiveness and teamwork were so important to my game last year, so I’m working hard to get there.
It just takes time and exposure at high levels of training to get it back.
“I believe I overestimated myself in that Ireland A match against a very good team. After having significant surgery, it was difficult to expect too much. I thought that I’d continue from last season.
“We are up against Leinster, who have unbeaten this year but have amazing players.
“I’m trying to challenge myself and find things, things the team could do differently coming into such a crucial bloc of European games and around Christmas.”