Opreys coach Sean Holley has paid tribute to Lyndon Bateman after the lock was forced to retire from the game.
Holley pays tribute to lock
Opreys coach Sean Holley has paid tribute to Lyndon Bateman after the lock was forced to retire from the game.
The 31-year-old has been forced to hang up his boots after he failed to recover from a dislocated patella suffered in January 2009.
Bateman has twice undergone surgery and attempted intensive rehabilitation in a bid to return to action, however he has now been forced to admit defeat.
And Holley admitted the Magners League champions would miss Bateman, who made 79 appearances since appearing in the region's debut season.
"In the company of many international players Lyndon has more than held his own and proved to be a top player who at the top of his game would push for more recognition," said Holley.
Incredible
"An athletic forward with undoubted line-out ability, Lyndon has been an invaluable member of our squad both on and off the field.
"We will miss his long striding runs and individual style as well as his technical ability at the set piece, incredible work rate and rare character.
"Everyone at the Ospreys loves Lyndon and what he stands for. He brings true meaning to our motto 'Mates For Life' and even though he has had to endure the best part of two seasons of pain, surgery and rehabilitation, he has kept his spirits up, supported the players and the coaching staff to the hilt and for us he will always be a big part of the Ospreys.
"We wish him and his family all the very best for the future."
