Justin Tipuric: Ospreys and Wales flanker back after long lay-off

Justin Tipuric was destined for a third British and Irish Lions tour before being injured against Japan in June, 2021

Wales flanker Justin Tipuric made a successful return during Ospreys' 31-24 pre-season win over Northampton Saints.

It was the 33-year-old's first outing after suffering a serious shoulder injury in a British and Irish Lions warm-up against Japan in June 2021.

Tipuric missed the entire 2021-22 season.

Fellow Wales and Lions back-row Ross Moriarty also returned from long-term injury as Dragons lost 28-12 to Wasps in Newport.

Wing Ashton Hewitt also made a 40-minute Dragons appearance on his return from another long-term injury.

Elsewhere Scarlets lost 34-28 to Bristol Bristol Bears in Llanelli where New Zealand lock Vaea Fifita was among the hosts' try-scorers while Cardiff lost 42-17 at Gloucester.

Tipuric captained a side who came from behind to beat Saints in front of a lively crowd at Bridgend's Brewery Field.

Saints led 12-3 at half-time thanks to a penalty try and a score from Angus Scott-Young.

Garyn Phillips crossed twice from close range for the hosts after Cai Evans' try.

Tom Collins ran in a fine solo effort from his own half for Saints, while Branden Nansen was also on the scoresheet.

Luke Morgan won it at the death to the delight of the home crowd.

It was Ospreys' second pre-season match following a 41-14 win over Hartpury University.

Tipuric looked sharp during his 60 minute appearance, the biggest cheer of the night came during his break down the wing.

He suffered his injury in the same game that Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones dislocated his shoulder.

While Jones was able to return within three weeks to link up with the Lions in South Africa, Tipuric had suffered a shattered scapula.

It was an injury Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said rugby had never seen before and was more associated with a traffic accident.

After the win against Saints, Booth was full of praise for the open-side.

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said: "It was wonderful - and a signature kick straight away.

"Certain people can do certain things and to have the man in the blue hat, as my son refers to him, has given everyone a boost.

"He has been, I am sure, very nervous around that, like any player is, and he will get massive confidence and get better and better of course."

Booth added: "From what I saw out there, I am pretty confident. Two line breaks, a kick and creating a lot of good stuff for us.

"He is a special footballer and he can do things that other people in those positions can't do.

"He will be very humble about that, but having that sort of player brings on the young players behind him as well.

"The good thing about Tips is he is very giving about that knowledge."

Ospreys (from): Nicky Smith, Garyn Phillips, Rhys Henry, Tom Botha, Ben Warren, Scott Baldwin, Elvis Taione, Rhys Davies, Huw Sutton, Bradley Davies, Tristan Davies, Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric, Ethan Roots, Harri Deaves, Morgan Morris, Rhys Webb, Reuben Morgan Williams, Matthew Aubrey, Stephen Myler, Jack Walsh, Keelan Giles, Tom Florence, Luke Morgan, Joe Hawkins, Keiran Williams, Luke Scully, Cai Evans, Max Nagy.

Northampton: George Hendy; Ollie Sleightholme, Matt Proctor, Fraser Dingwall, James Ramm; James Grayson, Alex Mitchell (capt), Emmanuel Iyogun, Mike Haywood, Paul Hill, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Alex Coles, Angus Scott-Young, Sam Graham, Juarno Augustus.

Replacements: Alex Waller, Sam Matavesi, Robbie Smith, Alfie Petch, Oisín Heffernan, Alex Moon, Brandon Nansen, Aaron Hinkley, Geordie Irvine, Callum Braley, Tom James, Matt Arden, Tom Collins, Joel Matavesi, Tom Litchfield, Courtnall Skosan.