Clever's Shoulder Healing, Mind Adjusting

USA star Todd Clever has a little less than three months until the Japan Super League starts, and he is hard at work rehabbing his shoulder and getting ready to be fit.

Clever is now in camp with the Suntory Sungoliaths and learning from former Australia head coach Eddie Jones.

"Life here in Japan is going well, We are away at camp this week, just over 10 weeks from season kick off and the boys are working extremely hard," Clever told RUGBYMag.com.

Like other Americans playing overseas, the former All American has had to make adjustments to life outside the USA. In Johannesburg playing for the Xerox Lions he was far inland, away from the beach and the opportunity to go surfing. In Japan, where players usually are issued a bicycle in order to ride to training, and where cold fish and rice with pickle is breakfast, there are many things to adjust to.

"Things are really different," Clever said. "Like having no car, riding bikes everywhere. Grocery shopping is a big change but I am starting to get used to it, and there's obviously the Language barrier."

But he made the move to be sure he won't be run into the ground before the World Cup. Clever didn't say in so many words, but it seems evident he was pushed to play when he was hurt, and then ended up needing surgery, thus missing the Churchill Cup. The Japan Super League will not be as demanding.

"I want to be fit, and I want to be fresh [for the World Cup}," said Clever. "The Last few years I was playing over 30 games of rugby. I don't think that is ideal for me to play that much rugby going into a World Cup. I really enjoyed my time in South Africa, but as an individual you have to look out for your best interests."

Perhaps, then Clever's rugby experiences can be seen as an extended workout - hit the weights and the track hard and then pull back to recover and allow your body to rebuild better than ever.

"I feel I have my best rugby days ahead of me," Clever said. "I am really looking forward to the season kicking off. It's going to be good working closely with Eddie Jones. He is a great coach with a brilliant rugby mind and I am sure I will take out lots in these next 16 months."

Clever's shoulder is recovering well, he said, and he will be fit for the season.

by- Alex Goff