Before his injuries, Baxter was a fixture in Steve Borthwick's England lineup, earning caps in 16 consecutive Tests, and he continues to hold an enhanced Elite Player Squad contract. His resilience and skill had made him a regular on the field since his first cap in 2024 and his Harlequins debut in 2020. Now, as he returns to full health, the anticipation around his comeback is palpable.
Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore recently confirmed that Baxter is slated to play in the upcoming pre-season game against Edinburgh. This match, scheduled for Friday, September 18, marks a significant step in Baxter's return to active play.
"Fin will be right,"
Gilmore shared optimistically about Baxter's recovery. His reassurance came with details about Baxter's intense rehabilitation regime, which involved the removal of several screws and plates initially implanted to stabilize his foot.
"He's back in full training, feeling good and looking good."
The coaching staff at Harlequins, along with the England team's medical consultants, have been closely involved in Baxter’s recovery, keen to reintegrate him into both club and country rosters. The collaborative effort underscores Baxter’s importance to both teams, highlighting the high hopes pinned on his return.
Gilmore also reflected on the unexpected benefits of Baxter's prolonged absence from the game. Despite the challenges, the break has provided Baxter with a rare opportunity to rest and recover fully, which could be beneficial for his performance moving forward.
The feeling in the Harlequins camp is one of eager anticipation. Baxter himself is described as being "keen as mustard" to return to the fray, embodying the spirit and passion that he is known for on the pitch.
Gilmore expressed how Baxter's return feels like welcoming a new player to the team. This sentiment underscores the length of Baxter's absence and the transformation expected now that he has overcome his injuries.
As Harlequins and their fans look forward to seeing Baxter back in action, the upcoming pre-season game against Edinburgh will be a significant indicator of his readiness to return to top form. The rugby community, always supportive, will no doubt be watching closely, hopeful for a strong and sustained comeback from one of their young stars.
