'Focus is to get back to my best': Lydiate agrees new Ospreys deal

Wales international Dan Lydiate has agreed on a new contract with the Ospreys, who said that the 34-year-old flanker’s deal will see him remain with them for another season. Lydiate, who has won 65 caps and played in all three Tests of the British and Irish Lions’ 2013 Australia tour, returned to action earlier this year.

He was sidelined for twelve months after suffering a serious knee injury during Wales’ Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland in 2021, but his form soon caught the attention of head coach Wayne Pivac, who named him as one of the eleven Ospreys players in the 33-man squad to tour South Africa in July.

“Getting back on the field was my main focus this season and I am grateful for the support of the Ospreys’ medical and strength and conditioning teams for getting me playing again,” Lydiate said.

Josh Strauss talks about the early years and why he almost quit the game at age 21

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“The focus now is to get back to my best, produce performances and play my role in a successful Ospreys side. I just want to enjoy playing again and get back out there and do my stuff with the boys.

“We have had a few tough seasons here during my time at the Ospreys but things have really started to progress here with Heineken Champions Cup qualification for a second season.”

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth added: “Dan’s resilience and determination to get back playing after his injury has been well documented. His leadership skills and the standards he sets, on and off the field, have been recognised by his recent call-up for Wales.”

Wales boss Pivac named two uncapped players, Cardiff’’s James Ratti and Leicester’s Tommy Reffell, in his squad for the July trip, the first visit by the Welsh to the home of the Springboks since 2014. Ratti was called up after featuring in the 2022 Six Nations squad while Reffell was selected in a Wales senior squad for the first time.