I can't wait for Gareth return, but go slowly!

IT’S great news Gareth Anscombe is poised to make his long-awaited return from injury this season because he is a player the Ospreys, and to a lesser extent Wales, need desperately.

- SHANE WILLIAMS

But I must make my opinion clear that we cannot rush Gareth back into action too quickly; to do so would be criminal.

It’s really pleased for Gareth to be back in training and it’s positive news for everyone concerned because he has been out for so long with a horrible knee injury.

The Covid-19 pandemic has warped everyone’s sense of timing a little so it’s crazy when you think Gareth hasn’t played any form of rugby since August 2019.

He is yet to play for the Ospreys since leaving Cardiff Rugby, previously known as Cardiff Blues.

Gareth will have done so much hard work to get to this moment. Only he will know what he’s been through – especially with his recovery taking place during the pandemic – and he will now be thinking he can almost taste a return to action.

I was lucky not to suffer serious injury in my career. So, while it is difficult for me to relate to Gareth’s situation because I never spent two years on the sidelines, I do know what it is like to miss months of action. It is an awful experience.

You are constantly worried if you are going to come back as the same player and there are worries over losing your place both at regional and Test level.

Gareth will have experienced all these emotions. It must have been very tough which is why it would be criminal to throw it all away now.