With the first game of the new pre-season less than a month away, the coaches have received a welcome boost with confirmation that a number of players are on course to return to action.
Chris Towers, Medical Performance Manager at the region, provided a timely update on a number of players, providing good news for Steve Tandy and his coaching team.
Lloyd Ashley:
“Lloyd underwent surgery in April to repair a pectoral injury sustained in the Cardiff Blues game. He’s progressing well and is now in the final element of contact work before going back into full training over the next week or two. We expect him to be available for the game against Saracens at the end of the month.”
Ashley Beck:
“Ashley suffered a fracture to the ankle in February, during the game in Edinburgh, and underwent surgery. He has completed his rehab and returned to full training this week on schedule.”
Rynier Bernardo
“He had surgery in early February after dislocating his kneecap in the Gloucester LV= Cup game and we hope to have him back in and around the squad in time to be available for selection in Round 3 of the PRO12.”
Ryan Bevington:
“Ryan’s groin is progressing nicely and his recovery is on target. We are optimistic about his availability for the opening round of the PRO12 next month.”
Tom Grabham:
“Tom is recovering from abdominal surgery in May and is building up the intensity of his rehab week on week. He remains on target for the start of the PRO12 season.”
Cai Griffiths:
“Cai has recovered well from surgery to repair a ruptured bicep sustained in early February and has returned to full training with the squad on schedule.”
Ross Jones:
“He’s done really well since breaking his leg in New Zealand with the Sevens in February and has returned to full training ahead of schedule.”
However, the news on young second row, Adam Beard, is less pleasing, after Towers confirmed he will have surgery next week and will miss the start of the season:
“Adam returned from the U20 World Championship having suffered a shoulder injury and, after a period of rehab it was clear that he wouldn’t make a full recovery without surgery.
“He is, unfortunately, looking at a rehab period of around four months.”