Dan Lydiate: No contract offer for Wales and Ospreys flanker

The Wales and Lions blindside flanker faces an uncertain future with his deal expiring this summer but won’t change his no-nonsense ways.

The 35-year-old won the last of his 69 caps against Argentina last November when he broke his arm.

However, with belts being tightened in Welsh professional rugby Lydiate might have to plough ahead with plans to work on the family farm in Abbeycwmhir, near Llandrindod Wells.

Dan Lydiate doesn't have a contract offer from the Ospreys (Image: Newsquest)

“I haven’t got an offer at the minute, so I am just going to go hell for leather for these next few games and see what happens,” he said to nation.cymru.

“Running-wise, I am probably the fittest I have ever been. I am good to go at the minute.

“I felt like I was playing the best rugby of my career out in South Africa last summer. The victory over the Springboks in Bloemfontein was probably one of my better performances in a Welsh jersey up there with the Grand Slam game against France in 2012.

“Then I broke my arm in the autumn. But it’s only five months ago I was starting for Wales, so there’s no reason why I can’t play at least regional rugby.

“I guess if it’s meant to be I will get a contract and if it’s not then something else is lined up for me in the stars.”

Lydiate burst through with the Dragons in 2007 and recovered from a broken neck suffered in Perpignan to rack up 85 appearances before moving to Racing 92 in 2013.

The combative flanker scored a try against his former side in Swansea on Saturday afternoon (March 25) in the 37-18 win against Dragons.

“I spent the best part of seven years with them. That’s where it all started for me, so they’ve always got a fond place in my heart,” he said.

“I enjoy playing against them because their fans are class. I usually get a bit of heckling from them which is good fun. The last time, some fan shouted ‘You are welcome back any time Dan’ which was a nice touch.”