Duncan Jones has handed the Ospreys a boost ahead of the start of the new Magners after returning to full training.
The loosehead has suffered a frustrating time since he fractured a tarsal bone in his right foot in the win over Munster at the Liberty Stadium last December, undergoing surgery in February after six weeks in plaster had failed to solve the problem.
Having worked hard with the medical and conditioning teams over the summer, Jones has now had the go-ahead from Head Physio Chris Towers to join the full squad as they finalise preparations for the weekend trip to Ulster.
Towers confirmed:
“Duncan is now back into a full rugby programme. He has completed full intensity training sessions, which is excellent news, and will be available for game time at the start of the season.”
Having been sidelined for nine months, Duncan said that he’s eager now to pull the shirt on once again:
“We’ve stepped up the work over the last few weeks and it’s gone well” he said.
“There’s been no reaction, which is good, and I’m eager now to get back involved and play my part in anyway I can with the team. The injury has healed well and I’m pretty confident. It feels good, it feels strong and there hasn’t been any bad reaction.
“The sooner the better as far as I’m concerned, but I realise that it’ll be when the Physio and the coaches feel is right for me. I have to fight for my place now. There are boys who have stepped in that have been playing well so it’s up to me keep working hard, fight for the opportunity to play and show the coaches that I’m ready.”