The Ospreys confirmed today that Iestyn Hopkins, Will Hickey, Lewis Jones, Liam Edwards, Lewis Lloyd and Alex Ashton have signed new deals with the team.
Iestyn Hopkins made his senior debut for the Ospreys last season, with flanker, Will Hickey making his in the season prior.
Lewis Jones, Lewis Lloyd and Liam Edwards are all yet to make their senior debuts for the Ospreys but will be looking to make an impression amongst a number of young Ospreys players this season.
Lewis Lloyd impressed during the Wales u20s recent World Cup campaign in the summer. Lloyd isn’t on his own as far as international representation. Liam Edwards, a product of Morriston RFC, has made seven appearances at Wales u20s with Lewis Jones also making five.
The Ospreys have been key contributors over recent years to both the senior and u20s Wales setups. In the recent u20s World Cup, Dan Edwards, Morgan Morse, Harri Houston, amongst other Ospreys, all received plaudits for their performances with the national side.
Hopkins, another u20 international, became a regular feature for the Ospreys towards the end of last season. Hopkins played his club rugby at Ystradgynlais before joining the Ospreys.
Second rower, Alex Ashton is a new signing at the Ospreys this season following a successful trial with the region. Born in Bristol, Ashton was most recently at Cardiff University and is Welsh-qualified.
Since arriving Toby Booth has insisted that development of our own talent is a crucial part of the Ospreys long term plan, young players are the lifeblood of your team and supporters always warm to local heroes.
Speaking on the signings, Rugby General Manager, Dan Griffiths, said:
"We are delighted to announce the signing of this young, talented group of players, we take great pride in developing young talent.
"Our Regional Age Grade performances and the representation we have had at a National Age Grade level over the last few seasons is a great endorsement of the work undertaken by the staff and coaches involved throughout our development pathway.
"It is always a great pleasure to see these young players progress, go on to represent the region and hopefully contribute to a successful future at the Ospreys."
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