UGO MONYE'S INJURY HELL

DURING the time I spent with Ugo Monye, news of another England injury filtered through.

But that seems to be the norm. One hour, one more drop-out.

Monye is philosophical about it. No wonder. Just over two years ago, the winger was PARALYSED by a back injury that threatened his career.

And as he lay on the floor of a friend's flat for three days, Monye could never envisage being a cornerstone of the England team and a villain turned hero of an unsuccessful yet epic Lions tour.

He recalls: "There was a point when my back went completely - I thought I might have slipped my disc. I didn't have a clue.

"I couldn't walk. I was paralysed. I've never felt pain like it. I was just out jogging and just hit the deck hearing a crack in my back.

"I got carried into the car. I had to go to a friend's house because he lived on the ground floor.

"I spent three days lying on his floor. I had a bucket to clean my teeth, another one to use as a toilet - I was like a baby again.

"It sounds like I am feeling sorry for myself but that was actually what happened.

"Then the scan was inconclusive, which was more frustrating. Why couldn't I stand up straight? Playing for Harlequins wasn't even a priority. Being able to walk again was the first and foremost thing."

It transpired that Monye had a bulging disc that was putting intolerable pressure on his spinal cord. Treatment and rehabilitation had startling results. And he went from being an England Saxon to a British and Irish Lion.

But in keeping with his career, the tour of South Africa was a heady mixture of highs and lows. In the dramatic first Test in Durban, Monye spurned two glorious chances in a cruel and narrow defeat - and was promptly dumped from the squad.

He says: "In the Six Nations when I tackled Thom Evans into the corner flag, I got patted on the back, saying it was good defensive work.

"No one mentioned that he might have had the ball in the wrong hand. Or that it was poor finishing. Then a few months later, it's sort of the same position and I get slated for it and not much is made of the fact that it was world-class defending from (Jean) De Villiers.

"The second incident - I do deserve criticism for it. I actually didn't see Morne Steyn come across.

"I've never backed down from criticism. The fact is we lost a game and I had two opportunities to score. So should I have taken some of the blame? Yeah. And hopefully, I'll never make the same mistakes again."

While he is phlegmatic about it now, there was serious hurt at the time. Hurt that was capped when Monye was told he would not be part of the second Test in Pretoria.

He remembers: "I was disappointed that I contributed to the loss. But in any game, good or bad, I always think about the mistakes I made.

"I had a sleepless night that night and the next night. And then I found out I would not be in the team.

"I was gutted - you've gone from the pinnacle of your career on the Saturday to three days later being kicked out."

But after another gut-wrenching defeat in Pretoria, Monye came back to play a pivotal, try-scoring role in the final Test in Johnannesburg.

And he reckons the experience has made him a much more formidable character.

He explains: "It made me 100 per cent stronger. No doubt. But that is what has happened to my career in general. It has never just been a straight road to success.

"Injuries, dips in form, relegation - that was in keeping with the rest of my career.

"But you have to dig deep - you have to fight. And my passion for rugby actually grew on that tour."

As did his faith. Through all the ups and downs, Monye has had one constant: His belief.

He says: "Some people say if you didn't play rugby what would you be? And I say . . . probably a better Christian!

"At times, it's a contradiction. Rugby is such a brutal sport. But if anything, my faith is what has kept me going, made me stronger. I've always had that crutch to lean on."

With such an extensive injury list, England are facing a huge challenge against the Tri-Nations teams.

But Monye is positive, saying: "Last season's autumn internationals - one win from four - were just not good enough.

"But we were second in the Six Nations - although you wouldn't have thought it by the press we got.

"And I actually think we have made some really massive strides. I think we have come on leaps and bounds and I honestly believe we can win all three."

Now that is the optimism of a man who has seen some tough times.

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