Tipuric thrilled at Ospreys return

The Wales flanker was out of action for the last two months of the Guinness PRO12 campaign with concussion and did not travel to New Zealand for Wales' summer tour.

However now that he has had an extended break, Tipuric is relishing the start of pre-season and is already looking ahead to an improved season with the Welsh region.

"It's good to be back in training, back in and around the place," said Tipuric.

"I'm feeling healthy and enjoying pre-season as best as it's possible to.

"I was well looked after, with excellent support from both the Ospreys and the Union medical teams. My welfare was put first, in front of everything else, and that's important. I'm extremely grateful to everybody for that.

"It wasn't the nicest of injuries shall we say. It was a pretty difficult time for me, sitting in the house unable to do anything for about five weeks. I'm not a good patient at the best of times. It's nice to be able to get out and do stuff again instead of sitting, staring at walls.

"It's been a good few weeks in fairness. It's been hard work as you expect in pre-season, but there's definitely a good energy about the place. Last season was disappointing by our standards and everybody wants to make sure we aren't in that place again this year."

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