A Grand Slammer and World Cup semi-finalist in 2019, his main efforts at the moment are helping to change the fortunes at the Ospreys. With wins over Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as a losing bonus-point in Italy, things are moving in the right direction.
Only Cardiff Blues, who are second in Conference B in the Guinness PRO14 have, have taken more points than the Ospreys after the opening four rounds of the new season, the 24-year-old Beard has been happy to step into a more prominent leadership role following the disappearance of so many key figures to the Welsh camp.
It is a new experience for him. He has become used to wrapping his arm around Alun Wyn Jones throughout the regional and international windows of the season, but is nonetheless happy to be packing down with some of the aspiring youngsters coming through the Ospreys ranks.
“I still see myself as a youngster, but for my age I think I’ve done a lot in the game already. That’s something I’m very proud of,” said Beard, who already has 21 Welsh caps in his locker.
“I’m trying to step up with my leadership skills now being back at the Ospreys and I’m enjoying getting a good run of games. I try and do my little bits in and around training with the likes of Will Griffiths and Rhys Davies to help them out.
“When you look at the second rows at the club, we have a lot of experienced players who are happy to help others out. We’re lucky to have that.”
Man of the match in the home win over Glasgow, Beard was at the heart of the pack that battled to pick up a point on the road in the defeat at Zebre on Monday night. The Ospreys were 17-3 down at one stage, but stormed back to get within inches of making it back-to-back victories
Next on the agenda will be Conference A leaders, and reigning champions, Leinster who are at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday. The Irish province have won their last 23 games in the tournament and have been the champions for the last three seasons.
Last weekend they went to Scotstoun and picked up another five point haul with a 32-19 win against Glasgow Warriors. It will be another occasion on which the players, young and old, at the Ospreys will be looking to Beard for inspiration and leadership.
And when it is all over he will be able to head home and have some fun with his six month old son, Zac. Born during lockdown, he has given Beard even more incentive to battle back into the Welsh team.
“Becoming a Dad is definitely the best job in the world and one I’m loving at the minute. Zac gives me something else to look forward to when I come home to at the end of a day’s training,” he added.
“Rugby is no longer the sole factor in my life. It’s great to have that balance and it helps take my mind off rugby.
“Obviously, you can’t really relax with a six-month old keeping you on your toes, but he really puts things into perspective.”
