Wales back-row Dan Lydiate has defiantly declared he will return better than ever after having a successful operation on his anterior cruciate ligament.
The 33-year-old flanker suffered a devastating injury to his ACL in Wales’ Guinness Six Nations-opening victory over Ireland, having been recalled for his first international in more than two years.
Lydiate packed down alongside Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau after last playing against Australia in November 2018, but had to be replaced by Josh Navidi just 12 minutes into his international return in Cardiff.
Nevertheless, having worked so hard to regain his international jersey, Lydiate is positive about what lies ahead as he prepares to begin his road to recovery.
Writing on Twitter, Lydiate said: “Op done on ACL, all went well just want to thanks [sic] everyone for there [sic] kind messages over last few weeks. On the road to recovery now and as Arnie famously once said “I’ll Be Back”.
Not only is Lydiate on the mend but so are Wales too, as they sit second in the Guinness Six Nations standings after two wins from two so far.
Those victories come after a difficult 2020 for Wayne Pivac’s men but there have been signs so far that the results have been worth the initial struggle under the former Scarlets head coach.
The challenges keep on coming though with fierce rivals England next up and, should they come through that, a potential title-decider on the final day against France in Paris.
One man who will not be part of the remainder of the Championship though is Dillon Lewis.
The prop has been released from Wales’ squad due to a neck injury, with Sale prop WillGriff John – who could be set for his international debut – called into the squad in his place.
