The Ospreys team to face Ulster in the Magners League on Friday 3rd April 2009 at Ravenhill, kick off at 7.35pm, will be as follows:-
15 Gareth Owen, 14 David Bishop, 13 Jonathan Spratt, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Jonny Vaughton, 10 James Hook, 9 Mike Phillips, 1 Paul James (C), 2 Huw Bennett, 3 Cai Griffiths, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 5 Andy Lloyd, 6 Tom Smith, 7 Steve Tandy, 8 Filo Tiatia
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Filipo Levi, 19 Marty Holah, 20 Jamie Nutbrown, 21 Dan Biggar, 22 Sonny Parker
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Ian Gough suffered a haematoma in his hip region during last Saturday's game against Gloucester, and although the injury is low in severity, it is quite limiting in the short term. However, he will make a full recovery in time to face Munster in the Heineken Cup.
Gavin Henson has suffered damage to the ligaments on both the lateral and medial sides of his right ankle. Although the injury is not so severe that he will require surgery, he will require a spell of at least two weeks in a walking cast before he can start to gradually get back to normal activity. At this stage, in light of the nature and extent of theligament damage, we are predicting a 4-6 week spell on the sidelines before Gavin will be ready for action again.
Lee Byrne suffered damage to a ligament in his left foot during the final Six Nations match against Ireland last month. He is currently undergoing intensive treatment and we remain hopeful that he could be up and running for the Heineken Cupquarter final against Munster on the 12th of April.
Jonathan Thomas has suffered a recurrence of a groin problem which has left him unable to take part in training this week.Following specialist consultation ithas beenconcluded that it is in Jonathan's best interests to commence a period of relative rest in orderto facilitate full resolution of the problem and permit a problem free return totraining and playing.
Duncan Jones remains unavailable butis making great strides forward in his rehab following foot surgery. With continued progress we could see him back and available for selection towards the end of April or early May.
Ben Lewis and Ian Evans are both recovering from ACL reconstructive surgery. Both players are achieving their targets and remain on course to be fully fit and available for the start of next season.
Nikki Walker is also doing well following surgery to repair his left hamstring origin, and although he won't feature again this season is expected be fit for the start of pre season training.
Lyndon Bateman is still in the early stages of his recovery following knee surgery and will return next season.
Kristian Phillips is recovering from surgery to repair the damage sustained folllwing the shoulder dislocation he suffered against Leinster. He will require a 5-6 month recovery and rehabilitation process and will be targeting a return for the start of next season.