RaboDirect PRO12
Lydiate happy to remain in Wales
ESPN Staff
August 15, 2012
Wales' Dan Lydiate shifts the ball, Wales v Scotland, Six Nations, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, February 12, 2012
Dan Lydiate impressed for Wales during the Six Nations © PA Photos
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Players/Officials: Dan Lydiate
Tournaments/Tours: RaboDirect PRO12
Teams: Dragons | Wales

Wales and Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate is adamant that he is happy playing in the RaboDirect PRO12 and is reluctant to move abroad only to be treated like a "lump of meat".

With fellow Dragons Luke Charteris and Aled Brew opting for a move over the Channel, Lydiate is a sought after player following his heroics for Wales during the 2012 Six Nations. But despite the increased wage and glamorous lifestyle on offer in the Top 14 Orange, Lydiate is keen to remain at the Dragons.

"I'm treated really well at the Dragons whereas, maybe if you went abroad you are just a lump of meat," Lydiate told the BBC. "We play hard but they [Dragons] know when you have your bumps and bruises, so if you have to miss a session they don't mind, as long as you put it in on the field.

"But at a foreign club it doesn't matter if you have bumps and bruises. They do pay handsomely, but when they pay that well you have got to play. I can see why some of the boys have gone out to France, some of the older boys for a different life experience. They might not get that chance again.

"At the minute I'm happy here I can't thank the Dragons enough especially in the early days of my career. They gave me a chance to play top-flight rugby and give me the chance to put myself on show to the Welsh selectors. Maybe if I had have been at other clubs I might not be playing international rugby. I can't thank them enough."

Lydiate took part in Wales' three Test tour to Australia and returned with an ankle injury. But he claims that the ankle is no longer causing him pain and that it will give him "no jip going forward".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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