Super Rugby: Unlucky Pat Lambie isn’t calling it quits

Pat Lambie has no plans for retiring from rugby anytime soon.

The 26-year-old Sharks and Springboks flyhalf on Thursday laid to rest any doubts over his future after suffering a second serious concussion in just over a year.

Lambie had to leave the field in the first half of the match against the Kings in May, clashing with teammate Rhyno Smith.

Various observers were immediately concerned, especially given his history with concussion.

The trouble started in June last year when he was felled by Ireland’s former Bulls star CJ Stander during a Test at Newlands, sidelining him for four months.

“I will be playing rugby again and I certainly have no plans to retire.  My focus for now is purely on making a full recovery and getting fit and strong again,” Lambie said in a statement issued by the Sharks.

“Once the three-month rest period has been completed, I will be reassessed to determine where we are in terms of the rugby calendar for the rest of the 2017 season.”

However, it does seem as if Lambie won’t be in action for the rest of the year.

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Lambie’s horror run of injuries 

February 2016: Injures shoulder in pre-season game against Toulon. Out for 3 months.

June 2016: Concussed in Test against Ireland. Out for 4 months.

March 2017: Fractures a vertebrae in his back. Out for 2 months.

May 2017: Concussed again against Kings. Out for 3-6 months.

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Sharks team doctor Alan Kourie mentioned how the pivot, after seeing numerous specialists, might conservatively need six months’ rest.

“Pat has been referred to two independent specialists (concussion and neurologist) and we have also sought the opinion of a UK-based specialist, who has dealt with over 1500 cases of concussion. With clear results from all three doctors, including myself, we are of the opinion that a period of 3-6 months without contact is necessary,” he said.

“This decision has been taken to give Pat a chance to fully recover from his symptoms, after which we have no objection to him playing again.”

Lambie had complained about mild headaches – much like a hangover – in the mornings and also experienced sensitivity to light.

Those symptoms have been relieved with medication and physiotherapy.

Lambie is already exercising again.

“I have been exercising for 30-40 minutes a day for the last month and I started to run again last week. None of the exercise has made my symptoms worse and in fact, I feel my best whilst active,” he said.

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