CATCH, PASS, step, run, score. Everything on a rugby field appears effortless for Will Jordan. His rapid, gliding running style. His attacking potency that’s seen him claim 23 tries in the same number of Tests for the All Blacks. His anticipation and versatility.
This past year, though, has been anything but straightforward for Jordan.
Watch Jordan now and it’s easy to forget he endured a ten-month absence from the Test arena. He missed last year’s northern tour with the All Blacks, and the opening ten rounds of this year’s Super Rugby season, with a concerning migraine-related condition. Such a prolonged spell on the sidelines sparked fears that the 25-year-old’s career could be in jeopardy.
During that time Jordan was forced to be patient. Every week Crusaders coach Scott Robertson deflected placing any form of firm timeline on Jordan’s return to play. Such a delicate condition dictates thathe wasn’t pushing too hard in his recovery. After eventually resuming training with the Crusaders, reintroducing contact was the final hurdle to clear.
