Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Lydiate boost for Wales ahead of RBS 6 Nations

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Dan Lydiate could be back in action for Wales in their first RBS 6 Nations clash on February 2

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Lydiate boost for Wales ahead of RBS 6 Nations

2 January 2013, 11:32 am

By Sportsbeat

Wales interim boss Rob Howley has received a major boost ahead of the 2013 RBS 6 Nations following the news that Dan Lydiate could be fit for their opening clash with Ireland.

Lydiate, 25, is ahead of schedule after suffering a broken ankle back in September and, according to his club Newport Gwent Dragons, is due back in action early next month, with Wales kicking off the defence of the RBS 6 Nations crown in Cardiff on February 2.

Flanker Lydiate was sorely missed during Wales’ autumn internationals where they suffered four straight defeats and Dragons boss Darren Edwards admits he wouldn’t be surprised if Howley throws the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Player of the Tournament straight back into international action.

“He is on course for the start of February,” Edwards told Wales Online.

“It wouldn't surprise me if Dan has a half of rugby for us and Wales throw him straight in. He's that important – we saw how much he was missed during the autumn internationals."

Wales will already be without Rhys Priestland for the Six Nations and they are also waiting on Ashley Beck’s fitness after the Ospreys centre limped off against the Dragons on New Year's Eve.