Tipuric – ‘There’s a better atmosphere around here’

Editor

Wales’ flanker Justin Tipuric believes that morale in the Ospreys’ changing-room has noticeably improved from the beginning of the season. 

The Ospreys face Pool Two leaders Clermont in the Champions Cup this weekend, whom they are two points behind, in a decisive clash to decide the group winners.

Steve Tandy’s men will be buoyed by the 15-15 draw with Saracens last weekend, who are two points behind them in third place in the same pool.

And Tipuric believes the match has come at a good time with the Welsh region in a good headspace at the moment.

“There’s definitely a better atmosphere around here now,” Tipuric told the BBC. “I think everyone’s a bit more relaxed.

“It’s not nice as a player to be involved in games where you’re not performing well, you’re not even winning in games that you should be winning.

“So a lot of us have learnt from that and don’t want to be involved in that situation ever again.”

The Welsh region found themselves rock-bottom after a disastrous start to the season but have risen off the bottom of the PRO14 table and done well in Europe.

But it won’t be easy against a Clermont side who have won all nine of their home games against Welsh opposition in the European Cup.

“I haven’t played in the next round of the Champions Cup with the Ospreys, so it’s something to look forward to,” he added.

Read more from Planet Sport: Rugby League fan too? Why not join our RL Fantasy League? (Love Rugby League)