Scott Baldwin feared he would lose his hand after Wales hooker was bitten by a lion and suffered 'major' infection

The Ospreys forward needed stitches in a wound to his left hand but was told an infection meant there was a chance he could have it amputated

Wales hooker Scott Baldwin has said he feared losing his left hand to an infection after being bitten while petting a lion in South Africa last month.

The 29-year-old was described as “stupid” by Ospreys coach Steve Tandy after suffering the wound, which needed stitches, during a pre-match visit to a game park ahead of a Pro14 match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

“The infection was the major issue,” the 29-year-old told the BBC. “The next day it started tracking up my arm. The surgeon said there was a chance I could lose my hand.”

Baldwin underwent two operations in South Africa before flying to Swansea to consult a plastic surgeon and said he was extremely fortunate not to have sustained a worse injury.

“The bite went straight through the other side of the hand,” Baldwin added.

“But I was really lucky it didn't hit any tendons or ligaments. The surgeon said it was like winning the lottery... it was the best possible outcome considering I had been bitten by a lion.”

With his stitches out, Baldwin hopes to return to training in the coming week but will make a final call after meeting with his coach and medical teams.

Reuters