While the majority of the Ospreys squad are away from
Llandarcy on international duty or on their summer holidays, Andrew Bishop
remains a day-to-day regular at the region’s training centre.
As he continues his rehab under the watchful eye of the medical
team, Bishop said he’s positive about playing a part from day one. He said: “It’s
going really well, things are on target for me to take part in pre-season.
“I’m working really hard on my rehab and hopefully I’ll be running
again later this week. I’ve never really suffered much with injuries during my
career thankfully, [so] it was really disappointing to have to sit out four
months of the season.
“I’ve just got to move on now and I’m looking forward to
next season. The target is pre-season and I’ve got to crack on over the next
few weeks to make sure I’m ready.”
However, he says that he’s been pleased by what he’s seen
from the team during the last four months or so, and what he has seen bodes
well for next season:
“It does give you a different perspective on things,” he
added. “It’s been interesting to have a proper look at some of the boys who I
train with every day. I think next season is going to be a good year for us
because the injury problems we did have this season have allowed other boys to
step up and show what they are about, and that’s a positive thing.”
Bishop became the most capped Osprey of all time when he
overtook Paul James last November, making his 181st appearance for the region
against Edinburgh at Murrayfield. Having stretched his record tally to 188
prior to his injury, he has watched as team-mates Jonathan Thomas and Duncan
Jones close the gap, Thomas eventually joining him on 188 with Jones one behind
by the end of the season.
With next season in mind, Bishop has vowed to hold on to his
position at the top of the appearance list. But first, he acknowledges he needs
to regain his place in midfield from the current incumbents of his position.
“I was relieved they didn’t take the record” he said. “I
know that if I’m fit at the start of the season I can kick on and stay ahead of
everyone else, so the work I’m doing now will hopefully put me in that
position.
“I’m proud to be up there at the top of the appearance
[list]. I’ve been fortunate with injuries in my career, but when you look at
the rest of the boys near the top of the list they are all forwards.
“It’s an incredible achievement for a forward in particular
to play so many games and shows how durable these guys are and how professional
they are. They deserve a lot of credit for that, but I don’t want them to take
my place at the top!
“200 is the next landmark, that would be a huge achievement
if I can become the first Osprey to play 200 times.
“It’s not going to be easy though, I’m still working to get
back to fitness before the start of the season and then I’ll have to shift the
boys who’ve got the shirt at the moment. It makes things interesting, and the
competition for places will make the Ospreys stronger.”
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