'I know exactly how Beckham feels' (From Bucks Free Press)

'I know exactly how Beckham feels'

8:20am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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WASPS prop Tom French says he knows exactly how David Beckham feels after rupturing his Achilles tendon last September.

French was just finishing his pre-match warm-up ahead of Wasps’ opening game against Harlequins at Twickenham when his tendon snapped in two.

He said: “I thought someone had fallen on me.

“It didn’t hurt. It just felt numb, like I’d been kicked.

“I wasn’t sure what had happened. I thought I’d just give it a rub then get up.

“But the doctor just happened to be watching me and knew exactly what I’d done.”

That was September 5 and French has not played since, although he is back in full training and is 24th man for Wasps’ trip to Sale on Friday.

He said: “I know exactly what he [Beckham] must be feeling like. The first couple of week you’re bound to be a bit down because you can’t get around.

“I was walking again without the boot after about eight weeks.”

And French warns that it’s a rehab process that can’t be rushed.

He said: “You’ve got to be honest with yourself. You can’t be a hero and try and push yourself because you’ll only hurt yourself more. You have to take it on the chin and pull out a session if you have to.”

For the full story, see tomorrow's Bucks Free Press.