2026-06-28 09:33:00
Guy Pepper has pain-killing injections every two weeks to manage his arthritis.
The Bath flanker was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the age of just six but he insisted it is “pretty well under control” and doesn’t affect his performance on the pitch.
He told Rugby World experience: “I manage it through injections every two weeks and it is as simple as that.
“It’s pretty well under control.
“It has its effects but they’re all managed.
“I don’t really have to do much differently apart from getting those injections.”
Yoga with his teammates also helped.
He said: “My favourite position is the pigeon pose.”
Guy admitted life as a professional rugby player is a “pretty good gig”.
He said: “I wouldn’t say there are that many hard parts.
“It’s a pretty good gig to be honest, in terms of the lifestyle.
“Naturally, you miss out on occasions with family and friends due to games and scheduling, which is part and parcel of it.
“That’s probably the hardest bit, but it all comes around in the swings and roundabouts of the sport.”
Guy also dismissed his friend and teammate Sam Underwood’s proclamation that he is a bit of a fashionista.
He said: “No, that’s just a joke from Sam Underhill that got started. I do enjoy clothes, but it became a running joke because a few of us went shopping one week in camp.
“He’s quite good at stitching you up. He gets a kick out of that sort of stuff and is quite good at taking his opportunity when it comes.
“I’m definitely not a fashionista.”
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