‘I struggled without realising’: Tommy Freeman reveals mental toll of workload
Guardian Sport
by Gerard MeagherFebruary 16, 2026
Northampton coaches eased post-Lions burden
England back played 34 games last season
England’s Tommy Freeman has revealed the extent of his mental struggles after the victorious British & Irish Lions tour of Australia at the end of a season when he exceeded the player welfare limits for the number of appearances.
Freeman played in 34 games last season – 19 for Northampton, nine for England and six for the Lions – and has spoken of a “built-up anxiety” as a result of the workload. The mandated limit is 30, but players were given dispensation for the Lions tour on the proviso they were allowed five weeks off on returning from Australia and missed the first two rounds of the 2025-26 season.
Continue reading...
Verticals
sports
Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/16/2026