Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley is confident of returning to the side this weekend against the Brumbies.
Foley has not featured in the Waratahs' first three matches and was sent home early from NSW’s South Africa tour battling ongoing concussion symptoms, with coach Daryl Gibson describinghim as a ‘day-by-day case’, on Sunday night.
Cleared of any serious long-term damage after meeting with a neurologist, Foley will discuss his chances with Waratahs medical staff when the team arrives back on Monday night.
The 27-year-old, who suffered the head knock in a February 16 trial against the Highlanders, has never had a serious concussion before and admitted it had been a difficult recovery period.
“It’s an unusual injury, it’s something I haven’t had before and just lingering symptoms after training, just get a bit of head aches and prolonged,” he said on Sky’s Big Sports Breakfast.
“It’s been something that’s been pretty unusual and seen a few specialists and trying to do everything to be right for this week.
“For me to feel it or have this frustration that's lingered now for a number of weeks is frustrating but it is what it is and it’s something you don’t want to play around with.”
While missing the opening three matches has been far from ideal, Foley said he was glad to have taken the cautious route.
“I think it’s definitely what’s needed in the sport," he said.
“The head is such a vital weapon for everyone, especially going forward in our whole lives.
“The last couple of years there’s definitely been a lot more precaution, they’re more aware of it.
“It is a frustrating injury because you can’t see anything wrong, you just don’t feel right.”
Foley said he would be gunning for a derby return, but that is subject to post-training tests this week.
“That’s the plan (to play this week),” he said.
“The guys have had a really tough trip to Africa and I think coming back home, they’ll be really excited for the local derby against the Brumbies Saturday night.”
The Waratahs take on the Brumbies on Saturday night at 7:45pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS or via radio on RUGBY.com.au.
