Hibbard looks forward to return

Richard Hibbard admits he is looking forward to being back with Dragons and the Guinness PRO14 resumption in August – after revealing he actually misses the wounds of battle!

Saturday, August 22 has been selected as a target date for the Guinness PRO14 season to restart with the Welsh regions battling it out on successive weekends.

Since announcing an indefinite suspension of action in March, PRO14 Rugby has worked alongside key medical personnel at unions and clubs, as well as key stakeholders such as World Rugby, to map out a return to action.

And the proposals are welcomed by hooker Hibbard who admits that while he has enjoyed the break and valued time with his family he is looking forward to rugby’s return.

“Normally it’s wall to wall rugby so a break can be a benefit. This period has probably put another two years on my career,” quipped Hibbard, speaking during A Night with Dragons.

“You can train in the gym or go for a run, but the interaction with the boys is a big factor for me. When you see them it picks you up and you miss those daily interactions.

“The lockdown has certainly made me appreciate time with my family. With rugby you don’t always get to spend too much time in the house, with travelling, training and games.

“It’s been nice to spend time with the kids and you get to know them even more.

“We are looking forward to getting back,” he added. “I don’t miss the games; it is more waking up the next day battered and bruised. When you know you have been in a battle - that is what I miss!”

Hibbard also revealed how the squad have been kept informed about future plans and a safe return to training in the near future.

“The medical department, Chappy (James Chapron) and Dean (Ryan), have been fantastic throughout this time away,” he added.

“We have been kept updated throughout about what is happening and we’ve stayed very close as a squad.

“We even got to say goodbye to the boys who were leaving and give them a decent send-off over zoom.”