Ollie Devoto says he’s been given a new lease of life this season after battling back from a potentially career-ending injury to his hips.
The Exeter and England star is once more back terrorising opposition defences with his hard running, direct and confrontational attacking style.
It is, however, a far cry from where the 30-year-old found himself 12 months ago, when he was deep into rehab, nursing his way back from significant operations on both of his hips.
“It was probably three years ago that it first flared up,” said Devoto, who underwent the same procedure as fellow rugby stars Sean O’Brien and Jack Mc-Grath, as well as British tennis ace, Andy Murray, right.
“I remember it just getting progressively worse as time went on and I was in a lot of discomfort. There were some days when I struggled to get my shoes on and in the end I just had to get it looked at.”
Medical consultations followed with leading hip surgeon, Professor Damian Griffin, and eventually Devoto went under the knife.
“There wasn’t too much data that I could go on, but I spoke to a few people and I found out as much as I could about the procedure,” added Devoto. “I knew that Andy Murray had undergone the same surgery and saw that he came back and was playing at the top level again.
I thought if he can put his body under that much stress again after the operation, then it’s definitely worth doing so I can get playing again.”
Months and months of rehab and work in the gym followed for Devoto, who this week admitted there were times when he wondered whether he would ever take to the field in competitive action again.
“I’ve been fortunate to have an unbelievable support network around me,” said Devoto. “My wife (Sophie), my family and everyone at the club, they’ve all been unbelievable. There were some dark days in there, but we got through them and now I’m back playing again, which is great.”
Devoto says not playing allowed him to reflect on his playing days, which have included helping the Chiefs to two Premiership titles, a European Champions Cup crown, as well as two Premiership Rugby Cup successes. “I’ve learnt a lot about myself over the last few years,” he continued.
“For me, it’s been awesome to be part of winning squads and enjoying those moments and playing with your mates. All of that, though, you kind of take for granted at the time. It’s not until you’re not in that mix, that you realise just how special those times are.
“Now I’m back, I definitely have a different mindset to things. I’ve definitely got a new lease of life for the game and I’m enjoying every moment. Getting back playing, especially these last few weeks, it’s been unbelievable.
“It’s a new group, a young group, but it’s one that is really enjoying themselves. Anyone who knows the Chiefs knows our DNA is all about hard work and this is what this group of players is all about.
“It’s a different culture to what it was a few years ago, but times changes and that’s to be expected, but it’s one that we are all thriving upon. As I said, I’m enjoying each and every day and any role I can play in it all is just fantastic.”
The best betting sites
