Rugby Sevens: Jason Going times his run

Jared Going might be timing his return to the New Zealand Sevens scene much better than he ever expected.

Going has been sidelined since July when he had an operation to repair his damaged shoulder. He had been hoping to be back to full fitness in time for the start of the World IRB Sevens series.

Instead he will miss the opening tournament in Dubai, and avoid having to make a decision on whether to fly close to a war zone in Afghanistan.

"I am not too sure if I will be right in time to make the trip to Dubai. I haven't had the all clear from the physiotherapist yet," Going said.

"But really I don't think I will be right for the first two tournaments," he said.

The opening round of the IRB World Series in Dubai next month has been jeopardised by military action in Afghanistan.

The New Zealand Rugby Football Union was monitoring the security situation in the Gulf and would probably make a decision in conjunction with the IRB later this month. The event is scheduled to take place between November 7-9.

Going, though, is eager to return to the national side four months after damaging his shoulder in club rugby after enjoying the Kiwis triumphant World Cup campaign in Argentina.

Instead of making his return in the Kiwi side though, Going's misfortune might be good for the Northland sevens team heading to the nationals in mid- November. If he doesn't go to Dubai, Going will make his comeback for Northland instead.

"That might be a better way in anyway.

I went for my first training run the other day and couldn't walk afterwards," he said.

"Put it this way, I have been enjoying my time off," he said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE