Published: Thursday, 21st August, 2008 08:25
Fraser's 'Gunner' return thanks to soccer docs
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MANCHESTER United and Arsenal don’t just vie for supremacy in the football world as their team docs competed to get a former Dunfermline rugby star back on the field.
From helping stars such as Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo, medical men from the Premiership giants put Fraser McKenzie (20) back in the pack.
He’s now preparing for professional life with Edinburgh Rugby – nicknamed the ‘Gunners’ – after the Gunners of London finally helped him shake off a knee problem.
McKenzie, the son of Dunfermline rugby club president Grant, said, “We got in touch with people down south and one of the Arsenal doctors was identified to help me out.
“It took a wee while to recover, but the treatment I received from the doctor was really good.
“I’m not particularly a football fan but am just happy to receive treatment from the best.”
A specialist at Man United also chipped in with advice to help him recover from bone calcification on his knee.
He had suffered four thigh strains in the space of just three weeks leading to bone mass building up around the knee.
McKenzie said, “I was attached to a drip which helped break down the calcification and calcium in the muscle and I’m just glad I’ve made a full recovery.
“There are 22 internationals in the Edinburgh squad and a lot of competition. I’m increasing my chances of selection when I’m fully fit.”
The former Queen Anne High School pupil hopes the top treatment he received will help ease the transition from amateur to professional.
He explained, “It’s a big change and extremely hard. Your attitude has to change and you have to look after your body, its nutrition and recovery.
“Weights are very important at this level so your body can cope with the physicality, simply because the game steps up to another level.
“It’s tough on the body – it’s a lot of hard work and it’s mentally tiring too.
“Basically I’m trying to get physically bigger and stronger.”
It’s something he doesn’t have to worry too much about – McKenzie stands at 6ft 6ins and weighs a powerful 17st 8lb.
Being in peak condition means he can now face the punishing daily fitness routine – including Olympic-style weightlifting, speed and flexibility sessions – with confidence.
McKenzie, who plays as a blindside flanker, made his team debut for Dunfermline when he was just 16, having first joined up as a four year-old mini-rugby player.
He has captained Scotland at under-18 and under-19 level and graduated from the national academy.
He has recently returned from the under-20 World Cup and is preparing to face a tough pre-season encounter when Edinburgh face London Wasps this weekend.
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