The Scarlets full-back-cum-wing suffered a double leg fracture during last August’s World Cup warm-up against England at Twickenham.
Stoddart was in red-hot form but the horrific injury ruled him out of the World Cup and the Six Nations.
The Pontypridd-product had a near foot-long rod inserted through his tibia to help repair the extensive damage.
“It runs from just below my knee to above my ankle,” said Stoddart.
“It’s there forever. I had the screws out attaching it to the ankle about eight weeks ago to stop the pain. They were irritating me.
“It’s still a bit painful, not so much during training but the next day.
“They told me, after I did the injury, I would be out for a minimum of a year and that’s proved the case.
“I’ve been pretty positive all along because I knew how long I could be out. It was a bad injury and would take a length of time to recover.
“It was just bad luck how the injury happened. I was tackled from behind.
“You could be tackled 10 times like that in a game and nothing happens.
“It wasn’t the best time for it to happen with the World Cup coming up and I was probably playing the best I had for Wales.”
Stoddart has been heavily involved in the Scarlets’ pre-season but is yet to undertake any pre-season work. But he is set to take the next step during next month’s training camp in picturesque Issoire, France.
“If everything continues as it has over the last few weeks, I’ll be able to. I hope to be ready to play at the start of the season,” said Stoddart.
The 27-year-old still harbours international ambitions but is determined not to rush matters and risk further injury.
“Obviously, I want to play for Wales again but I’ve got to try and get in the Scarlets team first,” added Stoddart.
“If I do and play well for the Scarlets, hopefully I will be in contention for the Wales squad.
“I don’t mind what position I play, as long as it’s in the back three.”
Stoddart doesn’t believe he will have any mental hang-ups when combat resumes.
“It was just a freak accident. My leg should be stronger now, with a rod in it!”
