For Clarke Dermody it was a case of being in every cricketer’s worst nightmare — for three months.
Dermody (40) brought up 100 games as an assistant coach for the Highlanders on Saturday night as the side beat the Chiefs in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The three-test former All Black prop, who played 44 games for the Highlanders before he went overseas, first started with the Highlanders as a scrum coach in 2014.
"Jamie got me up for a few sessions that year and then one thing led to another and I just stayed on," he said.
"Coaching was not something I instantly wanted to do. I took a bit of a break from rugby [after retiring] — 12 months — and just sort of fell into it. Worked with David Henderson with Southland started chipping away and then Jamie got me up.
"I obviously love rugby, love being around the team. That is the biggest thing I missed when I was away from the team — being around good fellas for the majority of the year."
Dermody said scrummaging had changed significantly since he began playing.
"I think it has evolved. What we saw on Saturday night was probably a good example of where we are at — two positive packs working hard for the game."
Playing in Forsyth Barr Stadium reduced the need for scrums — just six scrums in last Saturday night’s game against the Chiefs — as the ball stayed dry.
He felt a good prop had to be very strong and enjoy what he was doing. Being a good scrummager was still the core role of the position.
Dermody said the wait for the 100-game milestone was drawn out.
"I was stuck on 99 for a while as we were called off in Argentina. So I had a good three months to ponder it. But I was stoked to be able to celebrate with family and do something special and we got a win as well.
"I was really pleased with how the guys applied themselves. Just shows how much work they have done through the lockdown."
Dermody said the players’ fitness had made huge strides in the lockdown.
"It was a real test of the boys’ character and how much they wanted it. It is easy to sit on the couch and watch telly. Yes, we prescribed stuff but they still had to go out and manage it. They’ve come back in great nick and we can just concentrate on coaching."
Highlights of his 100 games were obviously winning the title in 2015 and beating the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
Last year, he was co-coach of Tasman with Andrew Goodman and they went on to win the Mitre 10 Cup. He is returning to Tasman this year to again team up with Goodman.
He has signed with the Highlanders through to 2022, and has evolved into more than a scrummaging coach, working in defence and around the lineout.
"Everyone has ambitions but it is just whoever wants you. It is bit like a player — you get to move around a bit. But luckily I have had a good stint here."