Back with a bang

In February 2025, during a game against Petersfield, Grant Hancox immediately knew what had happened.

He had torn his ACL, an excruciating injury that can have a massive impact on the career of a rugby player.

“To be completely honest with you, when I suffered that injury, at that moment in time, I wasn't sure if I'd ever be playing again. It was really quite a strange and emotional time.

I knew something was seriously wrong with the noise and the sensation I felt; I knew that potentially it could be career-ending.”

Photograph: Roan Fox - Grant Hancox watches from the sidelines

Eleven months later, Grant has just played his first game after the injury.

A man-of-the-match performance off the bench against Twickenham, topped off with a try scored by the Bournemouth Lions captain.

His recovery was a battle of resilience, mental and emotional strength and a support network that kept him motivated throughout.

“I think it was very difficult right at the start of the rehab, post-surgery, those first two weeks were tough. If I'm honest with you, during that first week, it felt like I'd never walk again, let alone be back playing less than 9 months later.”

Photograph: Roan Fox - Bournemouth Lions team huddle

Despite being out for such a long time, the club kept Grant in and around the squad.

He would often be present on away trips or at training sessions, becoming an unofficial coach.

Bournemouth Lions Physio, Andy Curtis, worked with Grant to get him back on the pitch.

He reflects on Grant’s time on the sideline:

“I spent probably four to five days a week with him, both in the gym, in the clinic, and down here (Chapel Gate), but in the times between our sessions, he was always involved in the changing room ethos and the training park ethos, where he'd get involved in the tactical and strategic conversations.”

Photograph: Roan Fox - Grant Hancox preparing for a training drill

Despite losing such a key piece of the team, the Lions have started the season unbeaten.

Notable victories include a 50-0 win over Guildford on the opening day of the season, something that set the tone early.

Andy Curtis attributes part of this incredible form to Grant:

“It's a massive thing for them to have someone who is of his calibre as a player, but also someone as a leader. He always seems to say the right thing at the right time or lead by example.

So, everyone's buzzing to have him back in the team, and I think they all want to elevate their game to make sure that they don't let him down as well.”

Photograph: Roan Fox - Grant Hancox giving advice to teammates

However, this motivation worked both ways. Seeing his teammates succeed on the pitch inspired Grant to work even harder to gear up for a return.

They also checked in on his progress doing physio and let him know that he wasn’t going it alone.

It was the support network at home, though, which was most important to him.

“I had fantastic support from my wife, pushing me through the process, keeping me motivated, and the motivation to get back on the pitch was what pushed me through that rehab process.”

Photograph: Roan Fox - Grant Hancox runs with the ball

Often, after such bad injuries, athletes can really struggle mentally with the potential setbacks that come with it.

Watching from the sidelines can take a significant mental toll, too.

Despite all this, Grant has come out of it on the other side and managed to take some positives out of the situation.

“I certainly feel like I've grown as a person. I think it really has put things into perspective for me. I certainly want to play every game as if it were my last. You just never know when something's going to occur.

As far as I was concerned, I was fit, strong, and healthy at the time, and unfortunately, I was on the receiving end of a freak injury. Yeah, it really has put things in perspective.”

Photograph: Roan Fox - Bournemouth Lions team huddle

Looking ahead, Grant hopes to return to normality and finish the season strong.

“I want to be there, in an ideal world, I play every minute of the rest of the season. I want to support the younger players. We've got some fantastic young players at the club at the moment.

We are in fantastic form, sitting top of the table, and it's no secret that our aim is to get promoted.”