Lydiate moving forward since Wales return

British & Irish Lions flanker Dan Lydiate is confident he will continue to improve as a player following his return to club rugby in Wales. [more]

Lydiate moving forward since Wales return

British & Irish Lions flanker Dan Lydiate is confident he will continue to improve as a player following his return to club rugby in Wales.

The 27-year-old, who appeared in all three Tests for the Lions during their victorious 2013 tour to Australia, cut short his stay at French club Racing Metro to move to Ospreys earlier this season.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons player admits he moved abroad in the hope of developing his game but the progress he desired never happened.

Yet with Ospreys still firmly in the hunt for glory this season, the Wales international is determined to build on his recent impressive performances to boost his side’s chances.

"Coming back here, I feel I'm starting to move forward again," said Lydiate.

"I went out there to play with new players and a different standard of rugby, but, at the end of the day, I wasn't being picked.

"On the rugby side of it, my rugby didn't move forward and that was a big thing about me leaving the Dragons.

"I wanted to progress as a rugby player, not stand still.

"At least I will know I've tried it, I'll never be left wondering 'What would it have been like if I'd gone out there?'"

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