"He works bl*ody hard" – Scarlets Captain Josh Macleod is finally relishing an injury-free run

12/20/2024 10:01 AM

Scarlets captain Josh Macleod is proving that perseverance pays off as he continues to shine after years of injury setbacks. From a ruptured Achilles to knee ligament damage, shoulder surgery, and hamstring issues, the flanker's rugby journey has been anything but smooth. Yet, the 28-year-old is making up for lost time in spectacular fashion.

Macleod's resilience is paying dividends as he enjoys a remarkable comeback. After recovering from a serious knee injury in January, he has started seven of the Scarlets' last eight games, showcasing the dynamic, all-action style that earned him Wales caps in the past.

In recent weeks, he's been in sensational form, scoring five tries in his last four games, including two during a Player of the Match performance in the Challenge Cup victory over Black Lion. That match also saw him top the tournament's tackle chart with a staggering 24 hits. Now, Macleod takes his inspirational form into this weekend's URC west Wales derby against the Ospreys.

Reflecting on his recent run of fitness and form, Macleod said:

"I am good. It has taken a fair amount of graft to stay feeling good, but it is pleasing for myself on a personal note, definitely.

"Obviously, last year was frustrating. Some may argue I was used to it by then. I haven't had the best of track records, to be honest, since snapping my Achilles.

"Look, it is what it is. The gods decided I wasn't to play more than three games last season. Thankfully, they are on my side this year and long may that continue.

"The most frustrating part of being injured was from a captaincy perspective. You want to be out there when the team is struggling because you want to be able to contribute. So that was massively frustrating."

Macleod's contributions this season have been transformative for the Scarlets, who have won four of their last six matches and remain competitive in every fixture.

"In contrast to last year, it is certainly pleasing that we are in games," said the Pembrokeshire-raised flanker.

"We are fighting – desperation, desire, hunger from the boys can never be questioned, which is certainly a positive.

"We have worked hard behind the scenes as players, especially defensively. We have put a massive emphasis on it and it seems to be coming through in games. We have been on song defensively all season.

"But there's still plenty to work on, plenty to look at, especially going into a big derby."

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has been effusive in his praise for Macleod, hailing the skipper's character and determination.

"I am obviously delighted for him because I know he has invested a lot," said Peel.

"It's tough when a player is so committed to playing rugby and then he gets an injury and a long lay-off.

"You see him working so hard to get back and then it happens again, he has another injury.

"So getting him a run of games and this form he has been in now has been great because I know how much it means to him to represent the Scarlets.

"From a leadership perspective, I've spoken a number of times about how important he is for us, both on and off the field.

"He's really growing into that role. He demands high standards of people around him and he also demands high standards of himself. He works bloody hard.

Peel also emphasized Macleod's rugged playing style and influence on the pitch:

"As a player, it's his intensity around stuff that's probably the biggest thing for me. He is an all-in player. That's probably part of why he picks up a few bumps. He's all-in with everything he does.

"He's tough around the breakdown, there's his tackle work and things like hitting mauls and disrupting mauls, he's all-in. He's a great example for players in how he's wholly committed.

"He's probably a bit of an old school forward in many ways. He's got that hard edge about him, which is great.

"I am delighted with the way he is going and delighted for him. It's great for us as a group to have him on this form and hopefully long may it continue."

With Macleod fit, firing, and leading by example, Scarlets fans will be hoping their skipper continues his stellar run deep into the season.

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