News from the treatment room

The medical team has issued a detailed medical update after four players were ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Medical Performance Manager, Chris Towers, has commented on the following players:

JJ Engelbrecht

“Despite a period of rehab following the ankle injury he sustained against Connacht, it was felt that he wasn’t recovering as would be expected. The best long-term option for him was to have surgery to stabilise the ankle, ruling him out for the rest of the season.”

Ma’afu Fia

“Unfortunately, Ma’afu developed a joint infection in the big toe which subsequently required hospital admission and surgery, taking him out of contention for the last three games of the season. He is now focused on getting back up and running in time for a full pre-season.”

Paul James

“Following eye surgery, Paul is scheduled for a review with the specialist at the end of this week to get a fuller picture of the recovery process. However, we know that he is likely to be out of rugby for a period of six to 10 weeks.”

Justin Tipuric

“Justin is recovering well following the concussion suffered playing for Wales against Italy three weeks ago, but in the light of his symptoms the specialist advice is that it is in his best interests to take his time returning.

“A prolonged three-month period of recovery rules him out of the rest of the season for the Ospreys and the Wales tour to New Zealand. The focus for Justin will be on getting healthy and fit, ready for pre-season.”

Meanwhile, both Ashley Beck and Dafydd Howells, both long-term absentees with knee and hamstring injuries respectively, are close to returning to action and will participate fully in selected training sessions this week as they complete the final stages of their rehab.