Retired Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell made a surprise return to the Wallabies training camp this week, filling in for Waratahs players on duty in the Super Rugby semi-finals. The 34-year-old was there to help out, and quite comically felt the full effect of returning to training.
Capped 71 times by the Wallabies, Mitchell retired last year after finishing up his career in Toulon. He since played in the Brisbane Tens and has reportedly kept fit by training for the 42km New York marathon in November.
"People might think that because you’re a footy player, you must be fit. But I’m all short bursts, power and speed stuff — endurance is not what I’m made for," he said in a recent interview.
"But I have a long time to train for it, and it will mean I’m committed to staying in shape and staying healthy, just to make sure I can at least walk across that finish line."
This latest training session, however, was a bit of a shock to the system, as you can see here in this rugby.com.au video update from training.
"I tried to keep going.. I was sick, and saw my lunch again."
Self-deprecating as ever, it's good to see Mitchell - now a commentator with Fox Sports - involved and helping out where he can. But by the look of things, he won't be making a permanent return.
credit: rugby.com.au