Tommy Freeman opens up on mental struggles after British and Irish Lions tour
England back Tommy Freeman has revealed he struggled to recover mentally from the “hangover” of last year’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
The 24-year-old featured in all three Tests against the Wallabies during a gruelling campaign down under.
That series concluded a marathon season comprising 34 matches for both club and country.
Fatigue has often plagued national squads in similar circumstances, with England failing to win a Five or Six Nations title immediately following a Lions tour since 1963.
‘I struggled without realising it’
Freeman, who is one of 13 Lions included in Steve Borthwick’s current squad, admitted he underestimated the psychological toll of the schedule.
“My body felt good, but my mental state wasn’t in the best spot,” said the Northampton Saints star.
“You go on a big Lions tour, off the back of 34 games or so. It’s a lot of rugby.”
The versatile back suggested that his downtime was not utilised effectively.
“I locked myself in and it might have been a bit of built-up anxiety,” he explained.
“I could probably have managed my off-time better and not gone on as many rollercoaster rides and things like that, probably just sat in the sun.”
“Coming back, you’re adjusting and going through that routine again. Without realising it, I think I was tired.”
Intervention by Saints coaches
While Freeman initially insisted he was fit to play, Northampton coaches Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty intervened to ensure his welfare.
“I had probably been in denial and was saying ‘I’m fine, I’m fine’, but they pulled me from bits here and there,” he added.
“Saints did really well at noticing that and giving me the time. England as well, picking that up and getting me back into the games in the right way.”
The recovery process required an additional fortnight away from full intensity.
“It was just two weeks to make sure your mind is rested and relaxed, and maybe the body did need a bit more time too.”
Adapting to a midfield role
Following his return to fitness, the natural winger has been deployed in the centre during the current Six Nations campaign.
He started at number 13 during the recent defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield, having also partnered club team-mate Fraser Dingwall in midfield against Wales.
“There’s loads to learn still,” Freeman admitted regarding the positional switch.
“I’ve got that versatility now. Like you saw at Scotland when I went out onto the wing, you’ve got to adjust as quickly as that, and I’m happy to do that.”