After a year of setbacks, hard work and life-changing moments off the pitch, Matt Bradley has officially returned to full training. Jonathan Keep has referenced how Matt is edging closer to pulling on the Sale FC shirt once again despite there being times of difficulty and an injury that has claimed many careers in all sports.
The scrum-half, who has made over 170 appearances for the club, spent last season and the beginning of this one recovering from a serious ACL injury. But throughout the long road back, Bradley has remained level-headed, committed, and motivated by something new: family.
“Playing in front of Mila has given me a whole new motivation”
During his recovery, Matt and his partner welcomed their daughter, Mila. An emotional boost that became a source of perspective and positivity.
“The arrival of Mila has been a really special time. To have the opportunity to play in front of her and my family has only provided further motivation to get back out there. After a long session of rehab, there is no better distraction to keep spirits high.”
Breaking recovery into milestones, not months
ACL rehab is notoriously long and mentally draining, but Matt approached it with discipline and patience.
“The length of time can be hard to manage. You feel so far away from even running after surgery. So it’s important to stay focused — results come in time. I broke it down into blocks and kept ticking off milestones.”
Returning with clarity and the same calm approach
Now back in full training, Bradley is eager to contribute however he can — without trying to reinvent his game.
“My focus has been purely to get to this stage: back training and in contention for matchday squads. I’ve always had a level-headed, calm approach to games, so more of the same… but of course, I’m keen to influence games in whatever way I can.”
Advice for others facing setbacks
As someone who’s navigated major injury while balancing new fatherhood, Matt has simple but powerful advice:
“Take it as it comes. Setbacks are different for everyone. Some people benefit from time away, others stay fully involved. Mine was a balance of both — do what keeps you focused.”
What his return means for the club?
Bradley’s comeback brings leadership, experience and calm decision-making back into the squad, all crucial qualities as the season progresses in National 1.
His return is not just a personal milestone, but a lift for the entire squad, and a reminder of the character and resilience that define Sale FC Rugby & The community that the Senior Section and Minis & Juniors show every week down at Carrington or Heywood Road.
You must be logged in to post a comment.