May 31, 2013
Jonathan Thomas has left the Ospreys a year early and secured a move to the Aviva Premiership with Worcester Warriors. The 30-year-old leaves the Ospreys as their club-record appearance holder, with 188 games, having been at the club since its inception in 2003. He has also been capped 67 times by Wales, scoring seven tries.
“I came up to meet Dean Ryan about six weeks ago, and the club blew me away,” said Thomas.
“I haven’t played at Worcester since 2007 and so much has gone on in that time.
“I just saw great potential in the club and, together with Dean Ryan going there, who is widely regarded as a highly-respected coach, I think it was the right move at the right time of my career.
“I was looking for a fresh challenge, and I think Worcester would be perfect for me.”
Thomas, who memorably burst on the international scene against New Zealand at the 2003 World Cup in Australia, has been with the Ospreys since their formation that summer when professional rugby in Wales went regional.
He has been a key member in a squad which has secured a record four league titles and convincingly beat Leicester Tigers in the final of the Anglo-Welsh EDF Cup at Twickenham.
May 11, 2013
Justin Tipuric has been named Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season at the 2013 WRPA Awards Ceremony.
Tipuric, 23, of the Ospreys has enjoyed a fantastic season with both the Ospreys and Wales – being part of the Six Nations Winning squad and being named on the Lions tour to Australia this summer.
On winning the award Justin said, “For this award to be voted for by the players is a huge honour. It was a total surprise to win both awards as there were so many other fantastic players who were nominated. You’re only as good as the team you play with and to win these awards is really a tribute to the whole squad of players. I’d like to say thank you to the whole team at the Ospreys, I’ve really enjoyed my rugby this year and am really looking forward to next season already.”
In addition to a clean sweep in the WRPA awards, Justin was also named in the RaboDirect Pro12 Dream Team 2012-13.
April 30, 2013
Sam Warburton has been confirmed as the captain of the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia. Warburton, who had been odds-on favourite to be named skipper, is one of 15 Wales players selected by head coach Warren Gatland. Also included in the squad are Derwyn Jones Agency clients Ian Evans (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons) and Justin Tipuric (Ospreys).
More to follow…
March 5, 2013
Rhys Webb, 24, has signed a new three-year contract extension with the Ospreys and will now be staying at the region until summer of 2016.
Rhys said: “To be able to commit to another three years with my home region is fantastic.”
“It’s a brilliant environment here, the only place I want to play rugby.”
He added: “I take great pride in wearing the Ospreys shirt. We’ve got a good, young group of players together here that can serve the region well for a long time and I’m pleased that I can be a part of it.”
Webb came through the age-grade ranks at the region before signing his first development contract in 2007. He’s scored seven tries in 87 appearances for the Ospreys and has won three senior caps for Wales having made his debut against Italy in 2012. Having represented Wales at Under20 level, he was also a member of the Welsh squad that won the Sevens World Cup in Dubai in 2009.
December 31, 2012
Lloyd Peers has signed his first professional contract with the Ospreys keeping him at the club until 2015. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Wales, Lloyd has been rewarded for a series of impressive performances for the region. He captained Wales and the Ospreys at age-grade level and trained with the full Welsh squad during the Autumn Internationals.
Peers said “I’m really excited about signing this contract. The Ospreys are my home region and I’ve come through the age grade system here so this is the next big step for me.
“In my position, where there are quality international players ahead of me, I’m definitely learning from the best, people who have been there and done it for the Ospreys and for Wales.
“It’s a great place for me to learn my trade in the second row.”
