Ospreys and Wales hooker Richard Hibbard expects to be able to take a full part in pre-season training after surgery to repair knee ligament damage.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined since April after aggravating an existing problem in the Easter weekend win over the Scarlets.
"I should be fine to get a proper pre-season under my belt," Hibbard said.
"I've got to get the all clear from the physios first but I should be training as normal with the rest of the squad."
Hibbard will face stiff competition as he looks to nail down a regular starting place next season, with Grand Slam winner Mefin Davies being added to the Ospreys ranks, joining from Leicester Tigers, although fellow hooker Marc Breeze has gone on a season-long loan to London Welsh.
