Gene Fairbanks

CA Brumbies inside centre Gene Fairbanks has been sidelined since the side’s first match of the season against the Crusaders in Christchurch. However, with months of rehabilitation under his belt, Fairbanks is again preparing to lace up the boots. Brumby Jack caught up with Fairbanks to see how he was traveling on the comeback trail.

Brumby Jack: How’s you’re neck/shoulder injury coming along?
Gene Fairbanks: It’s coming along slowly. I’m trying to push the doctors and physios along as quickly as I can but we’re still taking it pretty easy. I’m not quite into contact but hopefully I’ll start next week and the plan is to be back playing in two weeks or so.
 
BJ: So you’ll come back through club football?
GF: Yeah, I’ll come back and have a season with Randwick, which I’m looking forward to. I haven’t played club footy in a couple of years so it’ll be good. I just have to get the strength back – which is almost there, and then work on some contact work and getting my timing and rhythm back.

BJ: You’ve previously played your club football for Easts in Brisbane. What changes do you see in playing club rugby in Sydney?
GF: I think it’s probably a step up in terms of the top four or five teams. I’m looking forward to a good competition and playing with some good players around me.

BJ: How frustrating has it been being forced to sit on the sideline for such an extended period of time?
GF: It’s been super frustrating. It’s been a long year and to be so involved in rugby but so out of it at the same time is extremely frustrating. It’s my job and I love playing rugby and you feel a bit lost without it at times but hopefully I’ll be back soon.

BJ: What are your thoughts on the Wallabies team that has been announced and how do you think the side will go?
GF: I think it’s pretty much as to be expected. I think Giteau has been great at 10 and it’s awesome for Burgo [Luke Burgess] to get his first Test cap. With a new-look coach and coaching staff it’ll be interesting to see how the Wallabies come out and play, and what style they try to adopt. But I think they’ll do well and they’ll beat Ireland.