Ospreys hooker to miss season opener

Richard Hibbard has undergone surgery on his right shoulder and will miss the start of the new season.

The 24-year-old Welsh hooker will definitely miss the first game of the campaign against Connacht and could be absent for further matches.

However, Osprey’s team physio Chris Towers is optimistic on his condition commenting, “We’ll assess his situation closely and will be in a better position to predict his return in a couple of weeks.”

He added, “The early signs are excellent and the shoulder is settling well.”