Wales face Canada in autumn showdown
“I’m quite confident back.”
Even so, an injury like Baker has had can concentrate the mind and lead to thoughts about what happens next: “I sat down with Tim Jones, of the Welsh Rugby Players Association, and discussed in depth what I will do after rugby.
“I want to train as an electrician, perhaps do a course with Neath and Port Talbot College.
“I need to do something because you’re a long time retired as a player.”
But hopefully the new skills Baker plans to acquire will not be needed for some time yet.
The Ospreys are looking forward to seeing him back, because he offers something different with his ability to beat defenders.
He gives a side go-forward with his quick feet, but he also has footballing skill and the ability to keep play alive via offloads.
Clarke says: “I am no doctor, but I I will come have told Dan there is every chance he will return a better player.
“He is still only a young man and it is important to stay positive.
“Dan still has plenty to offer.”
It would be exaggerating to say thoughts of a triumphant comeback culminating in a Wales recall are at the fore of Baker’s mind.
“I just want to get back,” he says. “It’s 11 months now and I have still have three to four months left.
“Some weeks it’s hard to motivate yourself when you know there’s no match to prepare for, but the reality is you either do it or you don’t come back.
“If I could come back a better player it would be brilliant.”
Let’s wish him luck.
Behind the scenes, he has worked tirelessly over the past year, dealing with more frustration than any man should have to deal with.
But he is almost there now.
2019 cannot come soon enough. WALES Women have announced their autumn fixture schedule, which will see them face South Africa, Hong Kong and Canada.
The games will all take place at Cardiff Arms Park on consecutive weekends, with kick-off times that will allow fans to watch the women and men’s encounters.
South Africa are the first opponents on Saturday November 10 (kick-off 11.30am) for the first meeting between the two nations since the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014, which Wales won 35-3.
On Friday, November 16, it’s the first of two 2017 World Cup reunions for Wales Women when they meet Hong Kong at 7pm. The following day’s Under Armour Series match sees Warren Gatland’s Wales take on Tonga (2.30pm).
Wales then face one of their greatest challenges of the season in the form of Canada, one of the leading sides in women’s international rugby, on Saturday 24th November (11.30am, prior to Wales v South Africa next door at 5.20pm).
Rowland Phillips’ team will be out to improve on their two losses to the Canucks – ranked fourth in the world – in Dublin and Belfast last summer.
“For us to have three strong competitive games during this autumn window highlights how we’re continually trying to improve the women’s programme,” said Phillips.
“Coming out of the World Cup last summer, we pinpointed the need to have a more structured autumn series that lines up well with our regional programme.”
Tickets for each match will be £5 for adults, and £1 for U16s. More information on buying tickets will be available soon.