Regan Grace: 'Try-addict' wing refuses to quit after third Achilles rupture
Welsh rugby star Regan Grace has revealed he considered retirement after suffering a third Achilles tendon rupture in four years, but the addiction of scoring tries has driven him to continue his comeback.
Regan Grace, the 29-year-old wing from Port Talbot, has opened up about his decision to continue playing rugby despite suffering a third Achilles rupture in January. While training with Sale Sharks ahead of a Premiership Cup fixture, Grace tore his right Achilles, adding to a history of devastating injuries since switching codes from rugby league in 2022. He had already ruptured his left Achilles twice – once before joining Racing 92 and again during his time in France – and also battled a hamstring injury during his stint with Bath.
Initially, Grace felt he had to retire, believing no club would want him. However, staff at Sale urged him not to make a hasty decision, advising him to focus on rehabilitation. After nearly five months of rehab, Grace is now planning to return for pre-season with Sale Sharks, aiming to prove his fitness.
The wing, who starred for St Helens in Super League, winning four titles and a Challenge Cup while scoring 88 tries, admits that the thrill of scoring is an addiction that keeps him going. "The feeling of playing and scoring is something that you want to keep experiencing again and again," he said. "One day I will be too old to even think about doing it again, so that's why I am giving it everything to come back."
Grace's injury misfortune began after his big-money move to Racing 92 in 2022. He insisted on finishing the season with St Helens before moving, but suffered his first Achilles rupture during that period. The second occurred with Racing, and a hamstring injury hampered his hopes at Bath. Despite these setbacks, Grace earned a surprise call-up to the Wales rugby union squad for the 2024 tour to Australia, where he scored a try against Queensland Reds.
He credits the mental toughness developed at St Helens for helping him through the rehab process. "Those years were unreal... we had to build that culture and mindset of being tough and resilient, that we wouldn't give up. That has stayed with me for life," he noted.
Grace is determined not to let any club down again. He wants to be fully fit before approaching any team, saying he doesn't want to go to a club when he is not fit. He continues to work with Sale's staff three times a week alongside his own gym sessions, confident he can return to his best.
