Ospreys trio face long spell on sidelines

THE Ospreys fear three of their brightest young talents, including Wales international Rory Thornton, could be ruled out for the rest of the season by injuries, writes MARK ORDERS.

The 6ft 7in lock, Kieran Williams and Tom Williams were all hurt during the 26-16 AngloWelsh Cup win over Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park.

Tom Williams suffered a compound fracture of a forearm and has undergone surgery, while Kieran Williams sustained what the Ospreys are describing as a “significant ankle injury”.

Thornton sustained a dislocated shoulder which is set to be scanned. He will see a specialist this week to review the bump and agree the best course of treatment.

“They could be out for the rest of the season,” revealed forwards coach Allen Clarke.

“It’s a big blow to them as individuals and it’s a big blow to us as a group.”

It’s a particularly cruel setback for Thornton, who was only a fortnight into a comeback after missing two months of the campaign, again with an injured shoulder.

Both Williamses had used the Anglo-Welsh Cup to impress of late.

The centres stood out against Wasps and started well against Cardiff Blues, but now they and Thornton are facing long-haul recoveries.

“The timing of it is particularly traumatic for the young man Tom Williams, because he was hitting a bit of form and would have come in to consideration for the Guinness PRO14 game against Glasgow this weekend,” said Clarke.

“Kieran did really well against Wasps and was showing elements of his game on Friday night against Cardiff.

“They are all mid- to longterm injuries, with the potential that we may not see those boys to the back end of the season if at all again this term.”

The Ospreys have no complaints about the plastic pitch in Cardiff.

“They are traumatic injuries in a contact sport,” said Clarke.

“It would be wrong to suggest they had anything to do with the surface.”

The injuries are not the first major bumps to down Ospreys players this term.

“If you look at those three and Keelan Giles and Dan Baker, we have been hit, but all squads are in professional sport,” said Clarke.

“It’s about making sure those boys still feel part of the group and we connect with them as people. There’s a tremendous medical team here and rehab team.”