James Stannard ‘heartbroken’ after coward punch shatters his Commonwealth Games dream
HE may have been robbed of a third Games, but James Stannard has set his sights on a new farewell goal for his sevens career.
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WITH dried blood clogging his right ear, James Stannard took slow steps for 40 metres before opening up to media about the heartbreak of missing out on the Commonwealth Games after being coward-punched.
But even in his sullen state, the Australian rugby sevens captain could appreciate the bigger picture.
“I’ll get over it,” Stannard said.
“Football is just a small part of your life, I’ve got a family and something to go to after football.
“That’s more important than footy. I’m just glad I’m here to enjoy those moments with them, the Comm Games is a very small thing.
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“Maybe now [it is hard to take], but further down the track it doesn’t mean as much as family does.”
Stannard was able to return home on Easter Sunday to join wife Kim and twin girls Layla and Zara.
His cautious few steps onto Hitchcock Park in Avalon on Monday afternoon told the story.
“I’m pretty sluggish to be honest, that’s the longest walk I’ve had since I got out of hospital,” Stannard said.
British national Sam Oliver, 22, has been charged with assault over the alleged attack in the early hours of Good Friday, and will face Waverley Local Court on April 19.
How does Stannard feel about coward punchers?
“I think the same as everyone, it’s not on,” he said.
The result could have been so much worse for Stannard, who was reportedly unconscious before he struck the pavement after being punched in the back of the head.
“Very lucky, I’ve been doing a lot of laying down and resting, but I understand that I’m very lucky,’ Stannard said.
“I’ve got a fractured skull with a bit of bleeding, they said. I don’t really know the full extent, that just sounds bad to me. I’m very lucky to be here.
‘Quick movements, and when I walk I get a bit dizzy, I just feel a bit sluggish, but that will get better.”
But while he will make a full recovery, he will never get the chance to compete at his third Commonwealth Games.
“Heartbroken,” Stannard said, choking back emotion.
“I’m not angry, I’m just heartbroken.”
The 35-year-old, known for his never-say-die attitude on the field, is already making plans to return to training in six weeks time and have a farewell at the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco from July 20-22.
Stannard spoke of his dream return with fellow sevens veterans Lewis Holland and Jesse Parahi on Sunday evening.
“Because this is my last year, I’ve got limited opportunities to play, this is a setback for that,” Stannard said.
“But I spoke to them last night, and we discussed that I’d try to do everything I can to get back for the World Cup and have one last dance with those blokes.”
As for the Commonwealth Games, Stannard remains uncertain if he can travel to the Gold Coast to support his teammates.
“If I’m right to get over there and support them I will, but the priority is just to rest and be right for the family,” he said.
“It’s just rest for the time being. I will get a full recovery, it’s just total rest at the moment.
“In about six weeks’ time, if everything is going to plan, I can start training.
“They’re strong enough to get on with the job at hand in a couple of weeks and go and win.”
Stannard was attacked during a night out celebrating a farewell party for coach Andy Friend, who steps down after the Commonwealth Games.
The team and their families had dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Coogee before having more drinks at the Pavilion.
Around 3am a number of players and Friend went to get a kebab on Coogee Bay Road, where the alleged assault occurred.
“I remember everything at the pub, just enjoying a celebration for Andrew, for what’s done with us,” Stannard said. “After that, I don’t remember anything.
“[The well wishes have been] overwhelming, I still can’t believe it.
“I still haven’t got through all the messages my mates, my families, even other players from other teams and coaches from all over the world have messaged me personally, I still haven’t got back to everyone. I will get back to them, but it is overwhelming.
“St Vincents Hospital have looked after me very well, Friendy has been amazing though this whole time, he’s been by my side for most of it, nearly all of it, same with Kim and the girls, and my teammates.”
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