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Cape Town - Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley is confident of returning to the side for their clash against the Brumbies in Sydney on Saturday.
Foley has not featured in the Waratahs' first three matches and was sent home early from their South Africa tour battling ongoing concussion symptoms, with coach Daryl Gibson describing him as a ‘day-by-day case’, on Sunday.
Cleared of any serious long-term damage after meeting with a neurologist, Foley will discuss his chances with Waratahs medical staff when the team arrives back on Monday night.
The 27-year-old, who suffered the head knock in a February 16 warm-up clash against the Highlanders, has never had a serious concussion before and admitted it had been a difficult recovery period.
“It’s an unusual injury, it’s something I haven’t had before and just lingering symptoms after training, just get a bit of head aches and prolonged,” he said on Sky’s Big Sports Breakfast radio show in Australia.
“It’s been something that’s been pretty unusual and I've seen a few specialists trying to do everything to be right for this week.
“It's frustrating but it is what it is and it’s something you don’t want to play around with.
Foley added that the strict protocol that World Rugby has implemented on players returning from concussion is completely warranted.
“I think it’s definitely what’s needed in the sport,” he said.
“The head is such a vital weapon for everyone, especially going forward in our whole lives.
“The last couple of years there’s definitely been a lot more precaution, they’re more aware of it.
“It is a frustrating injury because you can’t see anything wrong, you just don’t feel right.”
Foley said he would be gunning for a derby return, but that is subject to post-training tests this week.
“That’s the plan (to play this week),” he added.
“The guys have had a really tough trip to Africa and I think coming back home, they’ll be really excited for the local derby against the Brumbies Saturday night.”
