Bracek close to Crusaders debut

Crusaders’ Andy Bracek says he is nearer to making his Crusaders debut.

The Welsh international has been back in full training with the squad for a few weeks now and head coach Iestyn Harris has promised him some game time before the season ends.

He could even make an appearance against Harlequins this Friday at the Racecourse Ground (8PM).

It has been a long road to recovery for Bracek, who has missed over ten months of action due to a knee injury, sustained playing for Barrow last season.

However, he has been working extremely hard with the Crusaders medical team and is now on the verge of making his longly awaited bow for the Welsh side.

And the second-row admits he is itching to pull on the Crusaders jersey for the first time.

“I can’t wait,” he said.

“Obviously I am delighted because it has been a long road for me personally. My progress with the physio and the coaching staff has been going quicker than expected and this week my knee has felt brilliantly.

“Iestyn pulled me to one side and said I will get opportunities before the end of the season. I am looking forward to finally making my Crusaders debut. The club has been brilliant with me in terms of my recovery and I cannot thank the staff and players enough for all the encouragement they’ve given me.

“I have trained quite a bit and my knee feels good. I’ve totally forgotten about the injury and there is no sign of niggles or pain. Obviously the coaching staff are being extra cautious with me and I won’t play if I do not feel 100%. But my knee feels stronger than ever and touch wood it will be all right.

“There has been a big build up of testosterone brewing over the past few months! I am really pumped to make my Crusaders debut. I’ve not got it in my vocabulary to describe how much it will mean to get on the rugby field again.

Crusaders will be looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they take on Harlequins this Friday.