Shannon Frizell can back up his claim that it is myth that playing rugby in Japan is easier on your body.
The 32-year-old’s last season with Toshiba Brave Lupus was anything but, after suffering a hamstring in the pre-season.
“They like their running in training over there. The tempo is really high and the rugby very fast. I was quite surprised at the level when I got there but grew to love the style of rugby. It was a great experience for me and my family,” quips the loose forward, who moved to Japan following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The 33-test All Black then broke his hand during his first match in December, and broke it again in the warm-up for his return match in March.
“I haven’t played since, but I am fresh and good to go for the Mako.”
He arrived in Nelson on a development contract in 2015 and after his All Blacks' career took off, played the last of his 35 NPC matches in 2021.
“Once I find my feet back here with the Mako, my next goal is to go to a third world cup. I am enjoying the sunny weather, but it was like a swimming lesson when we trained in the rain last week,” says Shannon.
At 1.95m tall and 108kgs, Shannon might find himself used as a lock as well.
“If I have too, as long as I am on the field. I have played lock for Tasman and the Highlanders before,” confirms Shannon, who was following his old team’s fortunes from afar.
“It wasn’t a good season, but it is quite scary looking around at the talent at training today.”
His family is in Dunedin, where he will be based with the Highlanders for Super Rugby next year, so while in Nelson he’ll be flatting with teammate Timoci Tavatavanawai in Nelson.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Drummond, another 32-year-old who also debuted for the All Blacks in 2018, is loving the weather back in Nelson, too.
“It is a great vibe. I have moved back in with mum and dad. In fact, the whole family has (wife Charlotte and young son Teddy),” says Mitch.
His first season with the Mako was limited to six games after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Ranfurly Shield challenge against his old side Canterbury.
He made just one appearance for the Crusaders this season.
“I love that team and any chance I get to play for them; I will take. My role was a little bit different this year, but I still enjoyed it,” declares Mitch.
His return to club rugby with Old Boys wasn’t so enjoyable as he suffered a serious shoulder injury.
“I was trapped, got crushed and dislocated my SG joint (ball and socket) in the front of my left shoulder. I spent five nights in hospital and had two surgeries. That’s the risk of contact sport,” reveals Mitch.
While back into running at training, the halfback suspects it could be the mid-stage of the competition before he is able to turn out for the Mako.
With Finlay Christie also sidelined with a shoulder injury and Noah Hotham likely to be in the extended All Blacks squad to tour South Africa next month, local halfbacks Mason Lund and Wil Thornalley are poised to add to their five caps sooner rather than later.
“It was great working with them last season, both in and around the Mako group. It is nice to see Mason back after his horrible hamstring injury, while Wil has had a couple of great club seasons and deserves to be there,” declares Mitch.
“I wouldn’t be here either unless I was still 100 per cent hungry.”
As for last season’s mid-table finish.
“It was definitely frustrating. I think we are better than how we finished and that will add a bit of hunger to the group this year,” concludes the Nelson College product, whose season-ending injury coincided with the Mako’s form slump.
The Mako head to Blenheim on Friday for a pre-season match against Canterbury before the NPC starts the following week.
