Flanker avoids going under the knife

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate has received an injury boost after it was revealed he will not be required to undergo surgery on his ankle.

The Dragons star has been plagued by the problem over the last few seasons but has battled through the pain barrier to establish himself as his country's first-choice number six.
It was originally thought that, after once again injuring himself on the recent tour of Australia, he would finally be forced to go under the knife which would see him miss the start of next season.
However, it has been confirmed that he will now avoid surgery and is expected to take a full part in pre-season.
Unfortunately though, his international colleague Jonathan Davies has not been so lucky and he is expected to have surgery on his long-standing groin problem in the next few days.