Davidson takes next step toward rebuilding career

LIONS lock Jeremy Davidson is itching to win back his international jersey.

He starts his rehabilitation this evening when Ulster take on Bedford at Ravenhill, with kick-off at 7.30pm. A litany of injuries and operations compounded a fragmented career which nose-dived last season when he lost his international place.

However, Davidson, who scored two tries in a run-out last week against the Borders, is out to prove that he’s back on song for the new season, with a view to grabbing back his place in the international side.

Last weekend’s practice match in Scotland was Davidson’s first outing for almost six months following further knee problems. He has had nothing but headaches since he returned home as a rising young star from the Lions successful 1997 tour to South Africa.

He returned from a major operation back in 1998, but never regained his form. Although chosen for the Lions tour to Australia in 2001, he never achieved the same heights.

A two-year spell at Castres didn’t do him any favours, but the 28-year-old is looking very lean and keen and upbeat about the future.

“I can’t wait until the season gets under way proper,” said Davidson. “I had some good news from my consultant regarding the surgery over the summer, and everything seems to be okay. It’s been a long haul, but I’m now determined to play a full part for Ulster this season, and win my international place back,” said Davidson.

He might not yet be 100% fit, with the knee not having been given a full grilling yet, but he is bursting with enthusiasm to make the grade again. He will know a little more on just how far he has progressed after Bedford tonight.

This evening’s game will be another test for Jonathan Bell, another international rocked by injury last season. Bell has not played since January due an achilles problem, but he too is anxious to get into action.

“It has been very frustrating for me,” said Bell. “But I have had superb rehabilitation from the Ulster medical team, and I feel as fit now as I have ever been. I just want to get back out onto the park.”

The game gives not only gives coach Alan Solomons a chance to run his eye over a number of options for the forthcoming competitive season, but an opportunity to watch Davidson to re-invent his career. With international commitments likely to eat into his squad throughout the Celtic League campaign in particular, Solomons will be in experimental mode.

There will be an Ulster debut this evening for Springbok prop Robbie Kempson, who is proving a very popular member of the squad with his laid-back humour. Kempson will come on in the second half, after proving his fitness following neck surgery last December.

ULSTER: B Cunningham, J Topping; J Bell, R Constable, J Cunningham; A Larkin, K Campbell; J Fitzpatrick, M Sexton, C Boyd, J Davidson, M Blair, A Ward, capt, R Nelson, N McMillan.

Replacements: R Kempson, P Shields, M McCullough, N Best, R Spee, S Stewart, S Young.