OSPREYS STILL UNSURE WHEN ANSCOMBE WILL BE FIT TO RETURN

THE Ospreys still don’t have a return date for Gareth Anscombe, with head coach Toby Booth saying the region are not prepared to take any risks with the injured Wales international.

The fly-half has been sidelined since suffering knee ligament damage playing for Wales against England at Twickenham more than 12 months ago.

They have added Stephen Myler to their squad and he will pilot operations until Anscombe is fit. But there seems no expectation of the 27-cap international lining up in Ospreys colours in the immediate future and maybe over the rest of 2020.

“Gareth’s not back in training and he won’t be for any time soon,” said Booth in a Zoom press conference.

“We’re hopeful to get him into the new campaign.

“We all want the same thing. We want Gareth back being Gareth and fully fit to do so.

“There’s a number of medical hurdles that have to be met before that happens.

“But the nature of that injury and the nature of where he is in his career, we need to ensure things are absolutely right before we get any risk.”

Booth is staying in touch with the 29-year-old. “I’m in constant contact with him,” he said.

“I can’t give you a timeline for his return because, honestly, I don’t know it.

“The thing that will determine that is when he hits those medical markers before it’s safe to move on to the next stage.”

Asked if the Ospreys had a return date for the former Cardiff Blue, Booth replied: “Nope.”

Cushioning the blow of having to operate without Anscombe is how well Stephen Myler has settled at the region.

The veteran No. 10 was signed from London Irish recently.

He has been displaying a Zen-like calm in training and has impressed the squad’s senior players.

“They’ve all welcomed him and are enjoying what he brings,” said Booth.

“He’s a calming influence. “I know him from my Premiership days and the exciting thing is that he’s a good game manager who understands rugby, and that’s important, especially in this league.

“But he’s also going to bring added value to the team, mentoring Josh Thomas, for example. Having that father-figure with experience is really important to bringing on the talent.”