Saturday 30 September 2017 07:27, UK
Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy has revealed that hooker Scott Baldwin missed the Pro14 defeat to Cheetahs after being bitten on the hand by a lion.
Wales international Baldwin was left requiring stitches after patting the lion on a trip to a game park in South Africa ahead of the 44-25 defeat in Bloemfontein.
"There was an incident with a lion, but in fairness it was nothing to do with the lion," Tandy said. "He did bite Scott but when you put your hand in a fence where there is a lion, then you will get bitten."
Tandy was keen to stress that his players were given adequate warning at the game park.
"It was pretty stupid on Scott's behalf and he is pretty lucky. It had nothing to do with where we were," he said. "It was a good environment and we were told how far back to stand. You can't pat a lion like a kitten."
A video of the event can be viewed in a tweet below. Please be aware, some may find it disturbing.
"I don't know what sort of wildlife show Scott has been watching where you can pat a lion on the head as if it's a kitten.
"It's probably one of the silliest things I've even been involved in, but thankfully he is okay and hopefully he will be back up and running in the next couple of weeks."
Ospreys confirmed Baldwin required medical attention after the incident on Wednesday.
A statement read: "Ospreys Rugby can confirm that Scott Baldwin sustained a hand injury on Wednesday.
"The team doctor treated a laceration and, subsequently, he was admitted to a local hospital in Bloemfontein on Thursday evening for further treatment to prevent infection.
"He will be released on Saturday morning to travel home with the rest of the squad as planned."
