Ospreys skipper Justin Tipuric expected to miss start of 2021/22 season

Ospreys skipper Justin Tipuric will miss the start of the 2021/22 season due to a shoulder injury.

The 31-year-old sustained the injury during the British and Irish Lions warm-up game against Japan at Murrayfield Stadium and is currently undergoing rehabilitation supervised by the Ospreys medical team. He is expected to miss the start of the United Rugby Championship for the Welsh regional club.

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth confirmed the news on Tipuric and expressed confidence that he will make a strong comeback.

"We are gutted for Justin to get injured whilst representing the Lions which is the pinnacle of any player's career," said Booth.

"To lose him for a long period will leave a void in our team as a player and a leader, which we will have to fill.

"He has started the rehab process and has already had some positive consultation on the road to recovery. He is extremely professional and diligent as you would expect from someone of his standing.

"As with all injured players, it's important that we support him through this period and look forward to having him available when he is good and ready."