The Canadian flanker is drafted into the second-row for the Ospreys’ opening pre-season game against English giants Leicester Tigers at the Liberty Stadium. But despite playing out of position, Ardron is simply happy to be fully fit as he bids for a change of fortunes.
“It was a minor injury which turned into some issues throughout the year and kept me out for pretty much the whole season. With the time off I was able to get back to 100 per cent pretty quickly,” said Ardron.
“I’ve trained for the whole pre-season and even before then, so I’m definitely 100 per cent now. It’s definitely been the toughest spell of my career.
“The early weeks were really tough, but once we sat down and drew up a plan it got a bit easier. But never knowing when you are going to play – it feels like it never ends.”
Ardron, 25, was confined to just two outings for the region last season and was forced to watch on as his teammates missed out on European Rugby Champions Cup qualification. But with the new season on the horizon, Ardron has his sights set on righting the wrongs of last year, both individually and as a team.
“I definitely share that determination to put things right. It was just as bad being outside watching, because you can’t contribute and actually do something for the cause. But now I’ve got a chance to get back to help turn things around and hopefully help us get back into that semi-final or final in the PRO12,” added Ardron.
“As a team we want to get back to a league final. That’s going to be our main goal this year and getting back into the Champions Cup. I just want to get back and play a bunch of games. I want to get myself back in the back row and playing rugby where I really enjoy it.”
Wales locks Alun Wyn Jones and Bradley Davies are rested while Lloyd Ashley is on the bench as he begins his recovery from injury, forcing Ardron into the second row alongside Rory Thornton. He is not the only Osprey to have been drafted into a different position to face the Tigers as hooker Scott Otten fills-in at flanker.
Dan Baker returns from injury to complete the back-row alongside Olly Cracknell. Rhys Habberfield captains the side from scrum-half with Sam Davies partnering him at half-back. Former Wales back-row Rob McCusker is on the bench after joining the region on a short-team deal from Carmarthen Quins, while Ashley Beck launches his latest comeback fro injury as a replacement.
