Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker Tipuric missed the final two months of last season with concussion. He picked up the injury in the RBS 6 Nations finale against Italy and was forced to miss the remainder of the season with his club and Wales; summer tour to New Zealand.
But he has returned to play a full part in pre-season training and says he is “fit and raring to go”. Also back in action is Canadian skipper Ardron, who was forced to end his season in March due to a niggling knee injury.
The problem limited Ardron to just two appearances at the Rugby World Cup and meant he only played two games in the Guinness PRO12 on his return to the Liberty Stadium last season. Now, after sitting out his country’s summer internationals, he is looking forward to adding the three games he needs to notch 50 appearances for the Ospreys.
“I had knee problems after the World Cup and it was difficult for me last season. It was pretty minor in the grand scheme of things but twice, just as we thought we’d sorted it, I’d have a run-out and it was clear I needed time out,” admitted Ardron.
“I’m 100 per cent now, the knee is feeling good and my body is right. A bit of extra conditioning and time in the gym always helps and I’m good to go with the rest of the squad, which is a huge boost.
“It’s going really well. We are putting in a lot of work but there’s huge energy in the squad. Things are starting to click and you can see it coming together collectively.”
The Ospreys certainly missed the power of Ardron and the guile and pace of Tipuric in the run into the PRO12 play-offs last season and head coach Steve Tandy will be delighted to have them back in harness for the start of the new campaign. For his part, Tipuric is happy to be fully fit again and wants to see his side compete hard in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
“It wasn’t the nicest of injuries shall we say. It was a pretty difficult time for me, sitting in the house unable to do anything for about five weeks. I’m not a good patient at the best of times, so it’s nice to be able to get out and do stuff again instead of sitting, staring at walls,” he said.
“We all know that last season was disappointing and it wasn’t the kind of year we are used to at the Ospreys. It’s important we review and learn from the experience, but equally important that when you report back for pre-season you put it behind you and focus on what you are going to do in the coming months, not what you did or didn’t do last time.
“We’ve got to come back stronger and better than before – that’s the challenge for everybody. There are no distractions this season, it’s all about what we do as a group, with so many young players really kicking on over the last year.
“The Challenge Cup will be something different for players and supporters, coming up against new teams and new experiences, while we all know that the final PRO12 table wasn’t what we expect so we have to climb that table.
“Rising to a challenge and competing with the best is what being an Osprey is about and we’ve got to show that character this season.”
