Hopper refreshed after overdue summer break

MATT HOPPER has returned to training with Plymouth Albion after a well-earned break.

The Herald's 2008-09 Albion player-of-the-year had gone 20 months without a rest from rugby.

Hopper joined Albion last September after a full season playing in Australia.

He admitted he did tire towards the end of last season after making a stunning breakthrough.

But he is now refreshed from a holiday and ready to build on the reputation he made for himself last term.

"It is nice to be back in training," said Hopper, who missed the last two matches of last season after picking up an ankle injury against the Cornish Pirates.

"But I think I needed a rest massively towards the end of last season. I was feeling quite tired.

"I think I played about 40 games in a row.

"It was good to have a break and I should now be able to perform for the whole of next season."

It is a season Hopper is looking forward to after his emergence last year.

Hopper, Albion's joint top try-scorer last term, will be full-time this year after previously combining his rugby with odd jobs, including labouring.

The former UWIC graduate said: "This year will be a bit different, but I am looking forward to fully concentrating on my rugby.

"I just want to stay injury-free and have a good year."

Hopper is positive about Albion's prospects next term in the new Championship.

"I am very excited," he said.

"We've not got our full squad training yet, but from the looks of it we are going to have a decent side.

"We have kept a good core of the players from last season and we've got some new boys to add in.

"I think we can do pretty well next season.

"Obviously the Championship will be a bit different. You don't have to win every game to qualify for the play-offs.

"We have got Birmingham in our first game, but just because they have come up into the league will not make it any easier.

"They were in National One the year before so we'll be expecting a tough test."