Fit-again Suntory Sungoliath star Sean McMahon recently made his long-awaited return from injury during the club's pre-season clash against Toyota Shuttles and is aiming to play a leading role for the club in the fourth League One season.
The former Wallabies international, 30, joined Suntory in 2017 and established himself as key player for the star-laden Fuchu club.
However, McMahon, who has scored 10 tries in 23 appearances, has not played since 2022 after suffering major back-to-back injuries which sidelined him for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.
The former Rebels standout returned to action in Suntory’s 55-21 win against division two side Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi on November 6.
“It was a special moment to return, it’s hard to put into words,” said McMahon.
“The lungs were absolutely stinging. I’ll continue to build on those minutes and my performances, I’m stoked to be back out there and I feel confident going ahead.”
McMahon admitted that the last two and a half years has been the toughest time of his career.
“I’m super excited about returning. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the field due to a few injuries so my excitement levels are extremely high.
“The last couple of years have been a difficult time for me with regards to footy and the back-to-back injuries, there’s a lot of dark times. I think my family, my kids, my wife, they kept me motivated and brought me through those tough times to where I am now.”
McMahon, who was speaking to the club’s PR team, added: “If it wasn’t for Suntory, the boys and the club as well, pushing me on, and seeing them on out the field and making me want to get better, making me want to get back on the field, it could be a different story.
“You can decide to call it a day or just push through the injury. Thankfully there was so much support behind me, just pushing me, making me want to stay in the fight.”
McMahon added that he has no regrets about leaving his homeland and Super Rugby to play in Japan.
“I made that decision at the end of 2017-2018 to come to Japan and I haven’t looked back, I love it here, I love the boys, I love Suntory. The atmosphere around the club is always high and the intensity at training is always high.
“What I’m trying to achieve is being here for a long time and playing some good footy.”
McMahon spoke of his goals for the season ahead as Suntory aim to win their first League One title.
“My goal for this year is to be back on the field and be part of the League One. There’s a team goal of wanting to win the championship but for me it’s about being the best player that I can be to support the team in all situations.
“I think I bring a level of intensity to the game through my ball-carrying and my aggression in the game. I try to lead by example through my actions.”
Suntory defeated Toyota Verblitz 57-27 on Saturday with McMahon enjoying some more minutes with the new season just four weeks away.
Last season’s third-place play-off winners open the new campaign against beaten League One finalists Saitama Wild Knights on December 21 at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu.
Picture courtesy of Suntory Sungoliath