Rugby: McNicol relishing Super opportunity

Sam McNicol during his schoolboy rugby days at Napier Boys High School.

Super Rugby seemed a long way off for Sam McNicol when he was in hospital in October after having his hips operated on.

The recovery time was four months without running and another two before he could contemplate lacing up a boot.

Last year was designed to be a breakout one for him. The former New Zealand schools fullback had arrived in Wellington from Napier Boys' High School to take up a provincial contract with the Lions.

But his hips bothered him during the club season and despite playing a couple of games for the Hurricanes development side, he was encouraged to have the corrective surgery in both hips, a similar procedure that Hurricanes utility James Marshall has also gone through.

The operation involves work on the femur and the acetabulum, which is part of the hip joint. It meant he missed out on trials for the New Zealand Under-20s squad who are playing at the ongoing world championship event in Italy. He also had to skip the ITM Cup.

"It was a relief as well though," McNicol said of the operation. "Because I knew I'd be playing comfortable rugby again. Because last year, every time I went in to contact, it was just uncomfortable. I knew there was a long road ahead but I was always prepared for that."

Injuries in the outside back division of the Hurricanes this season saw the 19-year-old awarded a wider training group contract in April.

He had to put his sport and exercise studies on hold at Massey University and trade them in for a playbook, running alongside the likes of Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith at training.
McNicol waited patiently, continuing his strong form at club level, and further ailments in the squad mean he could make his Super Rugby debut via the bench when the Hurricanes meet the Chiefs in New Plymouth tomorrow.

"It worked out alright in the end," he said. "So obviously I'm pretty stoked to get an opportunity this weekend. Hopefully I can get out on the pitch and try and make a mark."
There's plenty of pace in his legs and he clocked 11.3s over 100m as a schoolboy.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd, who was one of the people that encouraged McNicol to go under the knife last year, said he had plenty of potential.

"He's got lots of upside, got a big left foot and can play at wing or fullback, so his time will come," Boyd said.

McNicol's body is cooperating with him again and he's a player to keep an eye on when the ITM Cup gets underway later this year as Wellington look to restore some pride following last season's dismal campaign.