Fullback itching for action

All Black fullback Leon MacDonald is straining at the leash to make his return from rugby exile for the Crusaders when the Super 12 kicks off next month.

"I feel great," he said yesterday. "I am the fittest I have been for a long time. "With the long break, I have been able to get over a lot of little injuries. I can't wait to get back out there."

MacDonald was ruled out of all rugby for a minimum of two months after suffering a heavy blow to the head - his third in four months - in the Tri-Nations test against South Africa in Durban last August.

Now, five months later, he is champing at the bit to get his first game under his belt.

"On game nights it was very frustrating. I really enjoyed having time away from the game to be available for things such as a friend's wedding, but it has definitely been long enough."

He hopes to test his skills in two pre-season matches against New South Wales and Queensland before the opening Super 12 clash against the Hurricanes at Jade Stadium on February 22.

The Canterbury fullback, expected to be a first choice for the World Cup team later this year, yesterday joined the Crusaders at training at a Christchurch gymnasium.

Medical staff have assured him that he is at no more risk than any other players as far as his concussion is concerned.

- NZPA