WALES INTERNATIONAL DAN Lydiate will miss the Six Nations and is a doubt for the British and Irish Lions’ tour to New Zealand, with an anterior cruciate ligament injury ruling him out until next season.
Lydiate was forced off just before half-time as Wales overcame South Africa 27-13 at the Principality Stadium last weekend. The Ospreys flanker appeared to twist his knee after losing his footing and he now requires surgery after ligament damage was confirmed.
“Dan Lydiate has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in Wales’ final autumn fixture, against South Africa,” an Ospreys statement read.
“Following consultation it has been confirmed that surgery is required, as a result of which he will not play again until next season.”
Lydiate missed Wales’ tour to New Zealand in June after suffering a shoulder injury against England one month prior.
The Lions’ first of three matches against the All Blacks will take place at Eden Park on 24 June.
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)