Wales scrum-half Hardy faces World Cup fitness race — SkimNews
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- Kieran Hardy underwent surgery this week on a serious knee injury sustained during Ospreys’ United Rugby Championship victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade.
- Mark Jones said the 30-year-old scrum-half would miss the rest of the season after surgery addressed a major knee ligament and other injuries needing repair.
- Ospreys are crossing everything for Hardy to be available for the start of next season, with the World Cup in Australia beginning in October 2027.
- Tomos Williams is the Wales scrum-half for whom Hardy has been a regular deputy.
- Reuben Morgan-Williams and Che Hope were named in Steve Tandy’s Wales side for the Nations Championship in November, alongside Hardy.
- Kieran Hardy was called into Wales’ 2023 World Cup squad in France as injury cover but never played in a tournament match, and Mark Jones identified playing at a World Cup as his target.
Why it matters: Hardy’s absence leaves Wales without its regular scrum-half deputy for the rest of the season, while Reuben Morgan-Williams and Che Hope are named for November’s Nations Championship. His stated goal of playing at the October 2027 World Cup is tied to completing rehabilitation and returning for next season.
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