Wales and Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias is back in the game and loving it again—both physically and mentally. After a tough stretch that left him questioning his passion for rugby, the 31-year-old is now feeling recharged and ready to take on the challenges ahead. For any athlete, especially in a physically demanding sport like rugby, finding that joy again is crucial, and Elias's journey is a powerful reminder of resilience.
Elias recently opened up about what he calls a "low period" in his career, which hit hard after the 2023 World Cup. Between injuries and the emotional toll of being away from his newborn daughter for the first six or seven weeks of her life, everything started to pile up. "I wasn't enjoying my rugby," he admits. "I didn't think I was playing my best either, which doesn't help." It's a relatable struggle for many players who face the pressures of international duty and family life.
But the turning point came with a candid conversation with Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. Together, they focused on "getting back to basics"—a strategy that helped Elias rebuild his game and his mindset. "I sat down and built a plan on how I was going to do that," Elias explains. "It's about how I perform on the pitch and how I rebuild myself off it." That holistic approach has been a game-changer, reminding him that tough periods can actually set the stage for better times ahead.
Now, after recovering from a bicep injury that sidelined him during Wales' autumn internationals, Elias is back in the mix. He was named to Steve Tandy's first Six Nations squad and came off the bench in Wales' final four matches of the tournament. With his eyes set on future selection, Elias is looking forward to what's next. "It's nice to be over that lull," he says. "Hopefully, there are some good times to come over the next couple of seasons."
For fans and fellow athletes, Elias's story is a testament to the importance of mental health and finding support when the game feels heavy. Whether you're a hooker on the pitch or just someone chasing a personal best, sometimes the best play is to step back, reset, and remember why you started.