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Sharpe on fast track back to business

Western Force skipper Nathan Sharpe will make an earlier than expected return to competition after after sustaining a serious shoulder injury in Sydney almost four months ago.

The Test veteran missed last month's Wallabies tour of Britain and Ireland following surgery which could have had a devastating impact on his long-term career before surgeons decided that a full shoulder reconstruction was not necessary.

Sharpe, 31, had been working towards the Force's Super 14 season opener against the Brumbies at ME Bank Stadium on February 12 but is now confident of a return for games at Newlands in Cape Town against the Stormers and Sharks on January 23 and 26.

The 79-Test Wallaby said his recovery had gone better than anyone expected after surgeons had warned he could miss up to six months, with two or three months the best case scenario.

"My shoulder is progressing well. I feel like I am ahead of schedule in my rehabilitation program, which is testament to our strength and conditioning staff," Sharpe said.

He was looking at the second trial in South Africa, against the Sharks on January 26, as a starting point for his return.

"We have had a really well put together pre-season plan - it's my first since 2004 - and the feeling around the group is really positive," he said.

"The vantage point I have, coming back from injury, has allowed me to see how well the new guys have fitted into the squad. I'm impressed with how we are building towards 2010."