Elliot Daly is set to make his return to rugby tomorrow, as Saracens take on Bath in their final regular season match of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership. The fullback has been side-lined since the end of January, with an unfortunate hamstring injury keeping the England star out of action for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
Daly said to the Official Saracens Club Website; “I can’t wait to get back out there again on Saturday. It’s been a long journey back but thanks to all of the medical and S&C staff who have helped me along the way. We want to build some momentum ahead of the semi final so it’s a big day for all of us.”
After 13 weeks out of action, Daly will get the opportunity to run out for Sarries, with his last match coming in the Heineken Champions Cup Pool Stages against Edinburgh. Saracens have already secured their Premiership Play-Offs spot, ahead of this year’s season finale, with the clash with Bath putting no immediate match-day pressure on the 30-year-old.
However, Bath will be looking to finish their season off strongly, and will certainly look to test a Saracens side of returning players and academy stars.
Saracens finished top of the Gallagher Premiership this season, and were head-and-shoulders away from the chasing pack. The Londoners finished nine points clear of second placed Sale Sharks, and are set to take on either Northampton Saints or Leicester Tigers, depending on how the final weekend of action pans out across the league.
Daly’s injury means that he has yet to be involved in the Steve Borthwick era of the England senior squad, with Freddie Steward being the go-to fullback so far. Daly is a versatile utility back, with the ability to play at fullback, on the wing, or in the centre, so he is not limited to competing with Borthwick’s former Leicester Tigers player.
Borthwick is yet to announce his 55-man wider training squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but Elliot Daly will be hopeful of a strong Saracens return, to set-up a last-minute call up. If Daly impresses Borthwick in the closing weeks of the season, he should hope to join his Saracens teammates Owen Farrell, Jamie George and Maro Itoje in the training camp very soon.