Why Tane Edmed believes Waratahs demotion was one of ‘most enjoyable’ times of his life

NSW Waratahs flyhallf Tane Edmed credits his time out of the starting team as one of the best periods of his Rugby career as he returns with a new-found perspective.

Edmed has had a rollercoaster six months, finishing last year in the Wallabies 23 to face Ireland in Dublin.

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He would last three minutes before a concussion forced him from the field one touch into his Test career.

The 24-year-old seemed ready to take the next step for the Waratahs.

However, by Round Four, he was coming off the bench and then out of the squad altogether.

This led to a stint in the Shute Shield for Eastwood last month, during which time he worked his way back onto the bench and into the starting job.

Edmed has always been obsessed with Rugby, and ultimately, it’s this obsession that he needed to manage to mature and get back to his best.

“I've probably been someone who's maybe aligned myself with Rugby a bit too much, identity-wise. It took me to be out of that to mature and realise that you can't let footy dictate you as a person,” Edmed told reporters.

“It was that idea of gratitude. I was still coming into training with my best mates, getting paid for it every day. 

“When I looked at it like that, that eight weeks was probably the most enjoyable I've had just because of my perspective.”

Edmed returned to the starting team a fortnight ago and has impressed for the Waratahs in defeats.

Fresh off his 50th game, the flyhalf was realistic about his Test ambitions but the smile was impossible to hide when asked about what it would mean to face the Lions, whether as a ‘Tah or in the gold jersey.

“I've really tried hard to stay present. Everything that I want to come my way, it will happen,” a measured Edmed said. 

“(Wallabies ambitions) are always going to be there. Just to taste it for a month, month and a half, makes you want it even more. I am realistic with how the year's gone and I haven't played a whole lot of footy. I'm just happy to be back playing footy for the Tahs and trying to do as well as I can there.

“That game at Allianz, if you get the chance to play in it, it will be mad. Even playing for the Tahs, it would be a really awesome opportunity and I imagine it will be a sell-out at Allianz Stadium.”