Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce that 21-year old outside half, Luke Price, has signed his first professional contract with his home region.
- Abercrave youngster signs his first pro deal
- After making his debut in January 2014 he has waited until this season for another chance, playing seven times for the senior side in 2016/17
- Won man of the match in only his second PRO12 start, versus Glasgow in February
- Joins the likes of Tipuric, Davies, Lydiate, Baker and Dirksen in committing to the Ospreys
Price is a graduate of the Ospreys development pathway, starting off at Abercrave RFC before playing age-grade rugby for the region and Wales.
He has worn the shirt of all four of the Premiership clubs in the region, featuring regularly with Neath over the last two seasons, also representing the Ospreys Premiership Select in the British and Irish Cup over the same period.
His Ospreys debut was as long ago as January 2014, away to Exeter Chiefs in the Anglo Welsh Cup, but injury meant he had to wait almost three years until his next senior appearance, in November last year. In total he played seven times for the region during 2016/17, impressing with his maturity and winning the man of the match award in only his second PRO12 start, the 26-15 win over Glasgow in February.
“I’m really pleased for Luke, he’s worked extremely hard to secure this contract” said Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy.
“He’s battled back from some big injuries but in fairness to him he had an excellent season really taking his opportunity when it presented itself. He’s done well in the B&I showing his potential and, although he still has some way to go to become the finished article, he showed up well when called upon in the PRO12.
“His attitude is tremendous, he works hard and is always striving to be better. With the security of this new contract it’s important that he uses last season as a platform to build on.”
Speaking after signing his new contract, Price said.
“I’m delighted. It’s been great this year to get some game time in the Anglo Welsh and then through to the PRO12. Now I’m really looking forward to next season and trying to kick on from there.
“Next year I want to try and get us much game time as I can. Dan and Sam are good players to learn off but that’s the challenge for me. When opportunities come you’ve got to take them.”
Sam Davies, Justin Tipuric, Dan Baker, Hanno Dirksen, Dan Lydiate (NDC), Joe Thomas and Brian Mujati have all signed new contracts with the region for next season while Wales backs, Cory Allen and James Hook, have been confirmed as additions to the squad ahead of 2017/18.