Adam Beard makes long-awaited Ospreys injury return

After four months out of action, Welsh international Adam Beard makes a very welcome return for the Ospreys as they continue their push for the play-offs.

The 58-cap second row has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury against Australia in November, but now he’s back on board, much to the delight of management and team-mates alike.

Coach Duncan Jones said: “Adam was lucky enough to learn off someone like Alun Wyn and he carries on that tradition of what we value here.

“It’s not only his playing performance, but the way he helps drive the group. His presence is good and it has been great just to bring back that energy and that other voice.

"He certainly brings that level of experience and knowledge to the playing group which is great.

"He’s coming back at a good time for us and can hopefully help keep driving performances.

“Our game is growing here, but you can never go too far away from having your foundations around the set-piece and Adam is a top class operator on both sides of the ball.”

Adding his thoughts, fellow forward James Ratti said: “It’s good to see him back after a long lay-off. He’s a real quality player and an asset to this team. He’s a good bloke to have around the building as well.”

Ospreys: Jack Walsh, Daniel Kasende, Evardi Boshoff, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles, Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy, Garyn Phillips, Sam Parry (CAPT), Tom Botha, James Ratti, Adam Beard, Morgan Morse, Justin Tipuric, Morgan Morris

Replacements: George McGuigan, Steffan Thomas, Ben Warren, James Fender, Tristan Davies, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Phil Cokanasiga, Iestyn Hopkins

Connacht: Piers O’Conor, Finn Treacy, Hugh Gavin, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier, Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce (CAPT), Josh Murphy, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Temi Lasisi, Sam Illo, Oisin Dowling, David O’Connor, Matthew Devine, JJ Hanrahan, Sean Jansen