Winger Kristian Phillips is on target for a September return to action after missing the end of last season through injury. The 18 year-old flier suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Magners League fixture against Leinster at the Liberty Stadium in March, cutting short his season as he was forced to undergo surgery to repair the damage.
However, he has this week stepped up his rehab programme and after hitting the latest targets set for him, he is confident that he will be back out on the pitch during September. He said:
“Training is going well, my shoulder is feeling pretty good and I’m enjoying pre-season. Obviously I’m not 100 per cent just yet but I’m stepping things up and I’m confident that I’ll be back playing again soon. I’m taking part in all the general training with the rest of the squad, with just some changes to protect the shoulder.
“The target for a dislocated shoulder is five to six months rehab and it’s coming up to five months now so I’m really hopeful of being fully fit and available again for early September, maybe even the start of the season. I’ve kept on top of my rehab and hit all my targets so far, so touch wood it won’t be long before I’m playing again.
“The big test will be when I start taking full contact again. I’ve started some controlled contact and I’m going to progress that, building up towards full contact again over the next few weeks. I’m confident that I’ll come through that fine though, I can feel the shoulder getting stronger and the medical team are happy with my progress so fingers crossed it all goes okay.
“The main thing then will be to get more rugby under my belt. I’ll probably be looking at playing in the Premiership and getting myself back on track. I’ll have to use the opportunities playing for them to get up to speed again, find my sharpness and prove that I’m over the injury. Hopefully, things will go well and then I may get some more opportunities for the Ospreys this season. I have to take my chances when they come, and show what I can do. I’ve enjoyed the limited experience I’ve had in the Magners League so far and it would be good to get some more, as well as the Anglo Welsh Cup which will have a different edge to it.”