Lydiate on track for Six Nations
Wales’ bid to retain their Six Nations crown has received a major boost as star flank Dan Lydiate is in line to be fit for the start of the championship.
Lydiate, the 2012 Six Nations Player of the Championship, was in a doubt for the campaign after he broke his ankle in September.
However, the sought after loose forward is making a faster than expected recovery which has left Newport Gwent Dragons coach optimistic that Lydiate will return to action within a month.
"He is on course for the start of February," Edwards told Walesonline.
"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 November internationals."
25-year-old Lydiate is expected to make a decision on his club future soon after he announced in December that he would leave the Dragons after seven years with the club to pursue a fresh challenge.
Wales will be without flyhalf Rhys Priestland (Achilles tendon) and lock Luke Charteris (knee) for the entire Six Nations and are sweating on centre Jamie Roberts (elbow) and lock Ian Evans (knee). Utility back James Hook is carrying an injury but he is expected to fit for the tournament.
