LIONS candidate Richard Hibbard has made one thing clear as he heads into tomorrow evening's vital Pro12 encounter against Treviso at the Liberty — that the Ospreys are his top priority for the remaining weeks of the season.
The hooker who tackles like thunder is firmly in the reckoning for a spot in Warren Gatland's party this summer after making a big impact in the Six Nations.
Fearless and immensely physical, with zero regard for his own safety, the former Swansea man was especially to the fore in the 30-3 win over England, with his crushing hit on Joe Marler seriously shaking the prop, if not the entire Millennium Stadium.
Lions coach Gatland would have been impressed, but with the Ospreys locked in a fierce battle with the Scarlets to make the play-offs, Hibbard insists his focus for the time being is only on the region.
"You can't allow your thoughts to drift off at this point," said Hibbard.
"We have three games left that are massive, starting with Treviso and then seeing us travel to Glasgow and Leinster.
"It doesn't get much tougher in this league and if we are going to win all three we all simply have to be on the ball as individuals and as a team.
"I'm not thinking about the Lions. Every player wants to go, but it's something you can't set your heart on or allow yourself to think about because you'll end up being disappointed if it doesn't happen.
"You learn that the hard way. I missed the last World Cup after picking up an injury during the final warm-up game.
"Sometimes it happens like that. My goal now is to help the Ospreys into the play-offs. They pay my wages and they deserve my full attention.
"I don't think any of the boys will be thinking about the Lions over the coming weeks. It's all about the region and getting into the play-offs."
But the job of making the knockout games is hugely difficult, with Treviso likely to be keen to cause an upset in Swansea.
"They have pretty much the Italian pack playing for them," said Hibbard.
"We know how good they are. They play for each other and they enjoy taking sides on at forward. But that's our game as well. It should be a good match."
