Professional rugby players may appear blasé when it comes to surgeries, but for Luke Cowan-Dickie, a heart scare during this season’s Six Nations was certainly a new and concerning experience. Despite undergoing 14 operations throughout his career, the seasoned front row forward was unprepared for the sudden health issue that left him feeling unwell and with a racing and irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation, as it was diagnosed, led to an untimely exit from the field, followed by a visit to the hospital for treatment.
Cowan-Dickie’s return to the England squad was marked by frustration as he recovered from his health scare, only to serve as a travelling reserve. His charismatic and energetic personality served him well in bringing high spirits to the team, but he admits to sometimes going “over the top”. His unique character has also brought challenges, with his coach describing him as someone who “can’t sit still” and displaying a propensity to be “wired differently”. Such candid assessments have led to difficult conversations and emotional conversations with his director of rugby, Alex Sanderson. Despite the challenges, Cowan-Dickie values their honest dialogue and has acknowledged the need for self-improvement in his performances for Sale.
A nerve injury that impacted his right arm has been an ongoing challenge, but recent months have brought significant improvements in his physical state and mindset. With the goal of boosting Sale’s performance and his personal achievements, Cowan-Dickie is determined to make an impactful return to the game. He recognises his indebtedness to the team at Sale and is committed to delivering the performances that they deserve. As Sale Rugby faces a critical phase in the Premiership run-in, Cowan-Dickie is poised to bring his best game, especially as they face his former club, Exeter, in a high-stakes match. He finds motivation in the opportunity to once again prove himself against his former team, emphasizing the personal significance and the importance of delivering winning results.