Ollie Lawrence is potentially set to mark his return from an Achilles tendon issue, an injury that abruptly concluded his previous season, against his former team, Worcester, approximately one week from this coming Friday.
The Bath centre unfortunately missed the opportunity to participate in the Lions tour after sustaining the injury during a match against Italy in the Six Nations competition.
However, after being sidelined for seven months, which also meant he was absent from Bath’s remarkable treble victory, the Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, has indicated that Lawrence is likely to be considered for inclusion in the upcoming match at Sixways.
“There exists the possibility of his involvement,” van Graan stated.
“He had established a personal goal for his return, and I have not observed any instances of him expressing self-pity. I commend Ollie for his attitude in accepting and dealing with this situation. He confronted it directly.”
“I anticipate seeing an improved rugby player, a more refined individual, and a more supportive teammate. Reaching peak performance will require some time due to his extended absence, but I must give him considerable credit for his approach to this situation – as well as the supportive environment we have created to facilitate his progress to this point.”
Lawrence’s performance in the England midfield during the previous season had positioned him as a leading contender for a place in the Lions squad for the series against Australia. Prior to his injury, he had been a starting player in 16 of England’s preceding 17 Tests.
Worcester could serve as a significant venue for the 25-year-old’s return, as his former club prepares for its own resurgence.
Lawrence progressed through the Warriors academy and participated in 57 senior matches for the club before departing for Bath in 2022, following the club’s liquidation.
Worcester is scheduled to rejoin professional rugby in the second-tier Championship this season, having been allocated a spot in the 14-team league after the club’s revival last year.
Head coach Matt Everard has assembled a squad that appears competitive, including former Warriors favourite Matt Kvesic and ex-Lion Billy Twelvetrees.
The friendly match against Bath is reportedly approaching a complete sell-out at Sixways, and Lawrence’s potential participation would add an additional element of interest to the game.
