Ryan Elias Reflects on Rugby Comeback
Hooker Ryan Elias played a key role in helping Wales secure a Six Nations victory over Italy, ending a long wait with a 31-17 win in March.
Both Wales and Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias has expressed that he is "feeling good mentally and physically" after overcoming a phase when he was not enjoying rugby.
Elias disclosed that he experienced a "difficult period" following the 2023 World Cup.
The 31-year-old now finds enjoyment in playing for both his regional team and the national squad.
"There was definitely a low period in my rugby where I definitely didn't enjoy it, probably two seasons ago," Elias said.
"I think it was off the back of the World Cup. Between injuries, I didn't really have much of an off-season.
"I missed the first six, seven weeks [after] my first child being born being away at the World Cup. Then you come back and it just seemed like everything got on top of me.
"I wasn't enjoying my rugby and that was a difficult period for me. I didn't think I was playing my best rugby either, which doesn't help."
Elias, who is a father to two young daughters, credits a conversation with Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel as a turning point.
The discussion focused on "getting back to basics" to help the 48-cap Elias rediscover his enjoyment of rugby.
"I sat down and built a plan on how I was going to do that, which is basically how I perform, what I was putting out on the pitch, then rebuild myself back off it as well," Elias explained.
"It was good. It's nice to be over that bit of a lull, tough period.
"But I think it's important to have those periods to enjoy the good times, and hopefully there are some good times to come over the next couple of seasons."
Injury and Return to Play
Elias' latest injury was a bicep issue sustained during pre-season last summer, which sidelined him for Wales' autumn internationals.
After regaining fitness, he was selected for Steve Tandy's first Six Nations squad and appeared as a replacement in Wales' final four matches of the tournament.
Elias aims to be included again when Tandy announces his squad on Monday for the inaugural Nations Championship in July. However, his immediate focus is helping Scarlets conclude a challenging season positively.
Upcoming Matches and Team Outlook
Scarlets have secured a permanent deal with loanee Cuckson and recently signed Wales prop Domachowski from Cardiff.
Peel's team will face the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship (URC) at Bridgend on Saturday at 17:30 BST, followed by a home game against the Dragons a week later.
Ryan Elias and Scarlets are looking to bounce back this weekend after painful home defeats to Bulls and Cardiff
"They are massive games for us. In the context of the season, we aren't really playing for anything other than pride for ourselves, the club and the supporters," Elias said.
"With us not being in the play-off picture, it's almost a window for us to be able to build on what we want to produce next year and hopefully kick on next season.
"Off the back of that, if I was to be selected for Wales, there are some big Test matches coming and it's exciting."
