Rugby Union: Recovering Bedford Blues man Gillanders looks forward to pre ...

Gregor Gillanders

Gregor Gillanders is raring to go for pre-season training with Bedford Blues, even though he will spend much of it doing rehabilitation work after an operation on his knee.

The second row suffered the injury during the Championship play-off final defeat against Newcastle Falcons and a subsequent scan showed he would require surgery.

It is similar to the knee injury he suffered two years ago, but Gillanders is only expected to be out until October. And although he has had to take some time off, he is looking forward to being back.

“I’ve taken a couple of weeks off because you need to just to recharge and get your mind away from rugby, but the lads soon start getting itchy because we’re used to being out there training,” said the 25-year-old.

“The good thing about pre-season at Bedford is that we play a lot of games. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of hard work goes into it, but we do play a lot of games where we’re throwing the ball around and the coaches make it enjoyable.

“It’s frustrating when the lads are doing that and you’re trying to concentrate on the sidelines where the physio is telling you do something. Also with the new guys coming in, you want to get to know them and play alongside them otherwise you’re a bit behind.”

Gillanders recently extended his stay at Goldington Road for another season after signing a new contract, which had already been agreed before the end of last season and just needed him to sign on the dotted line.

He has been with the Blues since joining from Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers, where he came through the Academy, in 2008.

The 2012-13 campaign saw him play 25 games, as well as Bedford finish Championship runners-up and reach the British Irish Cup semi-finals.

“It was good to get my new contract signed,” said Gillanders. “I’ve always said I enjoy playing at Bedford and that enjoyment is one of the biggest things for me.

“We’ve got to at least replicate what we did last year, otherwise you’re going backwards. It’s all part of the progression.

“We’ll also keep playing attractive rugby, which is what Bedford are known for.”

Gillanders is also set to continue his role as forwards coach with the Blues Academy and he has been impressed with the standard of the forwards in the youth system.

Indeed, prop Matt Collins and back row Joe Mercis are amongst those Academy players who have been invited to train with the senior side during pre-season.

“It’s the size of some of them that scares me,” said Gillanders.

“I look at them and think ‘was I that big and conditioned when I was their age?’ and I probably wasn’t.

“We’ve seen a lot of the backs come through and do well, but it takes a bit more time to mature as a forward.

“I’m enjoying working with the younger players. They’ve got a good coaching staff at the Academy and I just try to help out with forwards where I can.”

Rugby Union: Recovering Bedford Blues man Gillanders looks forward to pre ...