Injury leads pro rugby player to try new career

A PROFESSIONAL rugby player is turning his hand to another career after suffering an injury so severe it could have cost him his life.

Hooker Rupert Freestone represented England at U16 level and the South West at U16 and U18.

He was then part of the Northampton Saints Academy before signing professional terms with Plymouth Albion.

But the 21-year-old who lives in Brislington badly broke his collar bone in April when he came off his bike while out training in Bristol with his best friend.

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The injury had to be pinned and plated and with doctors telling Mr Freestone that another knock to the injury could have killed him.

"I was at Plymouth Albion at the time and they had rotated the squad so I came to Bristol to see my girlfriend," he said.

"I went out for a bike ride with my mate and was coming down the hill but hit a drain cover and was thrown off. I really badly broke my collar bone and had to have an operation to have it pinned and plated.

"When they had operated they told me if I had taken another knock on the fracture it could have killed me because a shard of bone was resting on the main artery in my arm.

"It was what they called a high energy fracture."

A high-energy trauma or fracture is usually the result of a motor vehicle accident, a high-height fall, or an industrial accident.

Sadly the injury meant Plymouth Albion had to withdraw his contract offer and Mr Freestone has turned his hand to personal training hoping to forge a new career with his background knowledge of both fitness training and nutrition.

Mr Freestone, who travels to his clients and also runs fitness camps, is confident he can establish himself as one of the top personal trainers in the Bristol area.

"I'm not letting my dream of being a professional rugby player go yet but you have to look after your future," he said.

"I have always had an interest in the gym and nutrition and have been helped by my background in rugby.

"My girlfriend is in Bristol and there was a personal training course so it made sense to come here.

"I have done my elite personal trainer course which is an intensive six week course and have put in the extra work to get ahead in terms of knowledge of training.

"Now I am looking at building up my business with an aim of getting a good following.

"I've had some great testimonials so far, and I'm confident I'll be a top personal trainer in the Bristol area once I've established myself."

For more information on Rupert Freestone Personal Training or his 'Blast Fitness Camps' email rupertfreestone.pt@gmail.com.