Rice plots early return from new injury blow
A scan on Wednesday revealed that Rice suffered a tear to his right knee ligaments at Bedford last Saturday.
The highly-rated 26-year-old prop could now be out of action for up to four months, meaning he will be unavailable for selection for the majority of the remainder of 2008-09.
However, Rice is intent on figuring for the first team again before the campaign ends on April 25 with a home clash against Leeds.
"The specialist has said it could be up to four months, but possibly three before I can return to full-contact training," said Rice, who misses today's National Division One match against Esher at Brickfields (3pm).
"If it is three months, I could be back towards the end of February and looking to play some part in the last two months of the season.
"At the moment I have to keep my leg straight for three weeks with the assistance of a brace and then, after six weeks, I can begin my rehab.
"After three months, I can return to training and I can really make a push to try and get back playing again.
"However, I know I have got to try and hold back and just build it up gradually.
"I can still do weights despite the injury, so at least I can stay involved with the team.
"But it is my aim to be involved in some of the games at the latter stages of the season.
"I want to get back playing this season – I don't want to have to wait until the next one."
Rice has already recovered from two potentially career-threatening injuries in the past 18 months.
He tore both his posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments last season and suffered a prolapsed disc in his neck during the 2006-07 campaign.
On both occasions, Rice recovered from his injuries well ahead of schedule.
The prop is hoping that history will repeat itself this time around.
"This latest injury is a blow, it's tough to take," said Rice, who has made 11 starts and one replacement appearance this season.
"I was hoping for an injury-free season, having suffered my fair share of injuries in the past few months.
"But I thought it was going to be a lot worse at the time I came off the pitch and fortunately it is not as bad as last time.
"I am trying to stay positive and the fact it is not as serious as I thought it would be is good news.
"I also thought I was going to have to go in for an operation, but that isn't the case, so that is great news too.
"I have been fortunate in the past that I have always recovered well from my injuries and returned to playing quicker than expected.
"So, hopefully, that will be the case again."
Rice, who joins several of his team-mates on the sidelines, added: "The club always seem to get a lot of injuries and this season is no different.
"But credit to the players who have stepped up into the team and done a really good job.
"The team has been playing well of late."
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