England centre Jonathan Joseph says he is more motivated than ever to rediscover his best form in the 2019 Guinness Six Nations after missing the last nine months through injury.
The 40-cap Bath star hasn’t featured internationally since breaking his foot against Saracens in April and only made his comeback earlier this month.
But after a prolonged period on the treatment table, the 27-year-old couldn’t hide his delight after being selected in the squad for England’s opening two Guinness Six Nations fixtures against Ireland and France.
“I was surprised but honoured and really happy to be back in the set-up,” said the 2016 Grand Slam winner.
“For me it’s about getting the foot 100 per cent and training well. I’m not expecting to start against Ireland, I’ve only played 50 minutes of rugby, so I need to bide my time and hopefully get back in the mix.
“There was setback after setback which was hugely frustrating, so you just have to find ways to stay motivated.
“The mental challenge is the tough part, especially when you have setbacks as well. That’s when you need to be mentally on the money otherwise it can be a bad place to be, I just got unlucky.”
After undergoing two major surgeries to repair the damage to his foot, Joseph has to bide his time to get back to the big time.
But despite the protracted lay-off, Joseph insists his injury troubles have only strengthened his rugby ambitions.
“When you are out for so long it reiterates how much you love the game,” he added.
“It takes you back to when you are a kid and you are playing it all the time and never get tired.
“You are desperate to get back out there with your team mates and you miss it so much, the feeling of being in a changing room after a win is so special and definitely you miss it when you are out for so long.”
Joseph faces competition to start in the centres for England with the likes of Ben Te’o, Elliot Daly, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Slade and uncapped duo Ollie Thorley and Ollie Devoto all potentially vying for starting spots at the Aviva Stadium next weekend.
England head coach Eddie Jones will reveal his squad for the showdown with reigning champions Ireland on Thursday.
