Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy faces a race to be fit for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia after undergoing surgery for a serious knee injury sustained during the United Rugby Championship victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade.
Injury details and timeline
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones confirmed that Hardy, 30, will miss the remainder of the season. The injury involved a major knee ligament and additional damage that required surgical repair. "It is a serious knee injury which has needed surgery, which tells you its extent," Jones said. "We are definitely not going to see him this season, we just hope he has a good rehabilitation, there are no kinks in the road and everything goes to plan."
World Cup aspirations
Hardy has been a regular deputy for Wales starter Tomos Williams and was called up as injury cover for the 2023 World Cup in France but has never played in a World Cup match. Jones expressed hope that Hardy could be available for the start of next season with the World Cup on the horizon. "That will be his target but you have to go with the speed the body lets you," Jones added. "You have to have goals when you are out for a lengthy period and what better target than playing for your country at a World Cup. That is an awesome goal that will keep him on track."
