Saturday 27 January 2018 16:37, UK
England centre Ben Te'o has declared himself fit ahead of the Six Nations after funding his own recovery from an ankle injury.
Te'o has not played since sustaining an ankle injury while on club duty with Worcester Warriors in the Challenge Cup on October 14, 2017.
The 31-year-old sustained a sprain to the joint and - having undergone an operation that involved the insertion of a tightrope, plates and screws - he jetted to Australia to begin the healing process.
Although permitted by England and Worcester to recover in Australia, Te'o funded the trip himself and believes it was money well spent as he targets a start against Italy in England's first game of the Six Nations on February 4.
"It was important for me to go away and I didn't mind picking up the tab because I know it is going to pay me back one day. It's worth it," Te'o said.
"When you get injuries there is not just the physical side but the mental side as well. To come back really, really motivated and refreshed is a big plus.
"I needed some nice firm surfaces to run on. The weather was another factor and just getting right away.
"I've done stuff like this before and I've always found it does pay me back eventually.
"Sometimes when you're rehabilitating at a club, there are other players too and you need to fit in. There it was all tailored towards me.
"I've had a really good run with injuries and sometimes it's just your time. You cop an injury, go away, reassess, get the hunger back and focus on the body.
"I'm good to go against Italy, if selected. I'll be ready. The ankle's feeling really good."
The British and Irish Lions centre has forged his reputation on powerful ball-carrying and intelligent lines, but he lost two kilograms in weight in Australia in the belief it would benefit his game.
"It doesn't sound like a lot but when you've been training hard for a long time at a certain weight, to drop that two is quite hard," he said.
"I tidied up the diet. I cut out sugars and dropped the portion sizes. I tried some of those pre-made meals and they really helped.
"When you're 30 years of age you want to make sure you're looking after your body and get the most out of your sport.
"Being a little bit lighter is going to be good for getting around the field. The game is getting real fast now so if you can get a bit fitter and stronger in the collisions it will be a help."
England head coach Eddie Jones will start the Six Nations without prop Kyle Sinckler, who joined the injury list earlier this week, with his place in the squad going to Bath's Henry Thomas, and Exeter centre Henry Slade will miss at least the first three games with a shoulder injury.
