Tom McQueen raring to go in Hong Kong’s bid for rugby sevens spot in Rio
Winger has bounced back from injury to boost squad’s assault on Asia Rugby Olympics Sevens Qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium
If the waiting is the hardest part then the next few days should be a doddle for Tom McQueen as he prepares for this weekend's Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier.
Three months on the sidelines have the Hong Kong flyer fit and raring to go and - as was expected - McQueen was on Sunday named among a 13-man squad of players who will this weekend hope to secure an automatic place in the sevens competition at next year's Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.
Once you get the ball back in your hands you start to feel better. Then it's more running, more fitness and I'm back to where I want to be now, which is a relief
That's the prize on offer at Hong Kong Stadium and the torn left ankle ligaments that struck McQueen down might just be a blessing in disguise as he prepares to get back out on the park.
"It's been long and boring," was how the winger described his time on the sidelines. "But now I think I am ready."
McQueen's pace and guile - and his ability to find the try line - add that little something extra to a squad blessed with what head coach Gareth Baber believes has the right blend of youth and experience for the test ahead, from 19-year-old Michael Coverdale to 30-year-old Mark Wright.