Adams – the top try scorer at the 2019 Rugby World Cup where Wales finished fourth – joined the Blues from English side Worcester Warriors for the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
He suffered an ankle injury which required surgery in the Six Nations earlier this year but is now back fit with the new rugby season already around the corner.
Here Adams talks through rugby’s return from lockdown, getting back on the pitch again, and what’s to come in the rest of 2020…
Question: It was a big win for the Blues against the Ospreys?
Answer: “It was. We were quite disappointed after the Scarlets game – we didn’t really hit our straps and it wasn’t us at all. What we put out on the pitch against the Ospreys was a bit more of the Blues identity if you like. I thought our pack was outstanding and our line speed was great. We cut the Ospreys’ space down and our kicking game from nine and 10 was excellent as well. We applied the pressure on the Ospreys and to be fair to the boys up front I have to take my hat off to them. They were outstanding and if it wasn’t for them I don’t think it would have been as convincing a win.”
Josh Adams scored a try and made another as Cardiff Blues downed the Ospreys at Rodney Parade
Q: If someone had told you’d end the season at home against the Ospreys in August at Rodney Parade what would you have said?
A: “I’d have said ‘How’s that happening?’ It’s been absolutely crazy, hasn’t it? I think everybody has worked so hard behind the scenes and a lot of guys don’t get enough credit. For us to get to this stage and to be able to play a game of rugby is fantastic. It was a long time coming and a lot of boys were chomping at the bit to get out and play. There was a little bit of rotation and it’s been great for boys to get a run. I was more than happy to go week on week and it’s been nice to get some game time after ankle surgery in February. I’m feeling good, but I wouldn’t say I’m 100 per cent myself just yet. The more game time I get the closer I’ll get to that.”
I’m feeling good, but I wouldn’t say I’m 100 per cent myself just yet. The more game time I get the closer I’ll get to that.
Q: You now have five weeks until your next game?
A: “It’s not ideal. It would be awesome if we could have a few more games but that’s how it is. We’ll have a week off now and come back in for a short pre-season and then into the new season.”
Q: How do you look at the rest of this year with the Blues and Wales?
A: “I’m really excited. There is still a lot to be confirmed with dates and spectators, but what’s ahead of us is exciting. With the Blues it’s exciting too and we’ve just got to make do with what’s happening at the minute. If we can stay as tight on the field as we were against the Ospreys I think we’ll be in great shape.”
Josh Adams of Cardiff Blues celebrates his try against the Ospreys
Q: What’s it been like as a player in lockdown?
A: “It was a little bit different for me as I’d had surgery on my ankle in February. I was pretty much out of surgery and lockdown happened. It was my first real injury which required surgery and I had to do the rehab by myself in the house. I was getting sent a schedule and what to do, but there was no hands-on work with the physios. It was a bit different, but I managed to get it done and when I came in the ankle was good after we did all the checks. It was difficult to motivate yourself day after day and it could get quite depressing with the days all rolling into one, but we all knew there was light at the end of the tunnel and we had to stick at it. The boys came back from the five months quite refreshed and raring to go.”
I was pretty much out of surgery and lockdown happened. It was my first real injury which required surgery and I had to do the rehab by myself in the house.
Q: Have you got any aspirations for next summer’s British & Irish Lions tour?
A: It’s not something I think about day to day. I know what’s ahead and what is at the end of next season, but it’s important you play well for your club first and foremost and if you do that, you can take your form into the international arena. If you do that you put yourself in the best frame for the Lions. We’ll see. There is a lot of rugby to be played. Hopefully I can stay fit and healthy.”
Q: Did lockdown give you a chance to reflect on your achievements?
A: “It was nice in the first couple of weeks to be able to forget about rugby and reflect on what’s happened and think back over all the good memories we’ve had as a team with both Wales and the Blues. It was nice to reflect a little bit but I was more looking forward to what was coming to be honest with you. I knew there was talk of dates and fixtures and as soon as they were announced it was all guns blazing for the first game. I’ve absolutely loved going out in the last two weeks as it’s the longest I think anyone has ever gone without rugby. I think it’s knocked a few extra years on some of the boys’ careers.”
Josh Adams celebrates scoring a try during the 2019 Rugby World Cup where he claimed top try-scorer for the tournament
Q: What’s next for you?
A: “We have a week off now and we’re back in next Tuesday. It’s a bit of down time and feet up – not that we can go anywhere on holiday. We’ll stay local and maybe see each other down the Bay or something like that. I don’t think we’ll go far and then hopefully we’ll be straight back into pre-season and then games.”
Q: What did you get done in your ankle operation?
A: “It was a syndesmosis injury. From what I know there are four ligaments in the ankle and I snapped the top two. I’ve had two hard wires put in and a plate to hold it in tight. It’s quite a common injury and the success rate is good. I had a really good surgeon and was well looked after. At the beginning it was very stiff after I’d been sleeping because it wasn’t moving, but as long as I’m doing my little bits in terms of prehab it’s feeling good.”
