Tipuric back to lead the Ospreys into new season

WALES flanker Justin Tipuric has been appointed Ospreys captain for the new season.

The 86-cap player will return to competitive action this weekend after more than a year out with a scapula injury.

And the Ospreys have confirmed that he will wear the armband over the campaign.

Ahead of the United Rugby Championship match against the Scarlets in Llanelli tomorrow, head coach Toby Booth said of Tipuric: “I can tell you he’s playing and will captain the side.

“People have deputised for him admirably – Adam Beard, Will Griffiths, Rhys Webb.

“It’s great having a lot of leaders, but Justin has been the captain since I’ve been here and that will continue.”

Tipuric returned to rugby in the recent friendly with Northampton Saints, the openside coming through the match at the Brewery Field unscathed. “He was nervous as anyone would be,” reported Booth.

“But he was excited as well. “He’s very excited to be out there and his excitement is infectious. He’s always been a person who leads by example rather than by what he says, so he’ll leave the talking to other people and lead from the front.

“That’s why we’re really pleased to have him back.”