How All Black Cam Roigard became a better athlete during injury spell

Returning All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard recently issued an ominous warning for rugby rivals around the world. On the back of a lengthy injury rehabilitation process, Roigard briefly mentioned that he’d become “a better athlete” during that stint on the sidelines.

Roigard, who has only played five Test matches, is already regarded as one of the most exciting and talented up-and-coming prospects in New Zealand. With a lethal running game as well as elite core skills, the 23-year-old has drawn comparisons to France’s Antoine Dupont.

Whether it’s with Counties Manukau in the NPC of the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific, Roigard has proven himself a class above. That’s no doubt left fans practically counting down the days until they see an evolved Roigard don the black jersey once again.

Roigard has been in the headlines in the last couple of months after recording some awe-inspiring feats of strength and endurance. Before returning to full fitness, Roigard was squatting around 170 kilograms and later ran another incredible Bronco.

So, when Roigard explained to 1News that he’d become an improved athlete, that didn’t exactly come as a complete surprise—and that has the prospect of being frightening for rival teams both domestically in Super Rugby and around the international rugby world.

“When you get injured you’re out for a wee while so you have a bit more opportunity to work on some stuff, either mechanically, physically and mentally,” Roigard told reporters.

“I feel like my actual running mechanics have improved because we actually had time where we could work on that while we’re progressing into running and springing and all that sort of stuff.

“The mindset stuff, I was doing a bit of stuff with Ceri Evans who’s the All Blacks mental skills coach as well; just how we’re faming up my rehab which transitions now, sort of changes into how I play games and stuff. Just making sure that fear and doubt and all that stuff isn’t looming, and if it does, how you address it.

“The other stuff, just physically, my upper body, have plenty of time to work on that get, that strong and all that sort of stuff.

“I feel like I’m in a really good place physically and mentally. Everyone feels like they’re going to the back end of their season where I feel like I’m just getting mine started. I’m really energised and excited for this next period overseas.”

Being back in black was always “the goal” for Roigard during that injury spell.

But, the All Blacks do look a little bit different now compared to the halfback’s last international appearance. During last year’s Rugby World Cup, Roigard was the third-string No. 9 while Aaron Smith and Finlay Christie were the other options used by coach Ian Foster.

It’s a different story this time around. With new coach Scott Robertson leading the way, veteran TJ Perenara and Test rookie Cortez Ratima have served as a powerful one-two punch for the All Blacks in a majority of matches so far this year.

But, coach ‘Razor’ Robertson has some tough selection decisions to make next month with Roigard back in the picture. Perenara and Ratima are the incumbents at this point, but Roigard is eager to embrace the opportunity to compete for a spot in the matchday side.

“Yeah, that’s gonna be awesome. Obviously, I know TJ pretty well through the Canes and stuff, and I’ve known of Cortez in previous years. We’re in similar ages so we’re always competing against each other through school up until here,” Roigard said.

“Really looking forward to working alongside them, competing against each other as most nines and all super competitive but I think that’s where you get the most out of each other.

“Whatever role each person has, we’ll be doing what we can to make each other better and what will be the benefit for the team. I’m looking forward to it.”