Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce that Daniel Suter has become the latest player to commit his future to the region.
The 20-year old tight head is the 11th player to sign a new deal with the Ospreys since the start of the year, putting pen to paper on a three-year contract which runs until the summer of 2017.
The news is another boost to the region in a week which has already seen the announcement of South African lock Rynier Bernardo signing for next season, along with new contracts for Dan Baker and Nicky Smith.
Hailing from Sandfields in Port Talbot, Suter attended Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley, playing his club rugby at Tonmawr RFC. Although he missed out on selection for the Ospreys at U16 level, he continued to work hard, captaining Neath Port Talbot College before being selected for the Eyasses at U18s.
Since then he has been capped by Wales at U18s and U20s, playing in last summer’s Junior World Championships in France, part of the first Welsh team to reach the final.
He has played 29 times for Bridgend Ravens over the last three seasons, with his regional debut coming against the Dragons in the LV= Cup in January 2013. He has made a further 14 Ospreys appearances this season, including three off the bench in the Heineken Cup (Castres home and away and Leinster away) with his first PRO12 start coming in February versus Munster at the Liberty Stadium.
“I’m very pleased to have signed a pro contract” said Suter after signing his contract.
“The three years since I was given my first development contract have just flown by, I can’t believe how quick it’s gone. I feel that I’ve improved as a player and a person in that time and I’m really happy to be carrying on my development as an Osprey for another three years.
“It’s been great to get so much game time this season, all I’ve ever wanted is to get out there and play for the Ospreys, testing myself against top quality opposition. Hopefully I haven’t let anybody down when I’ve had the chance.
“Consistency is key for me going forward. At this level you can’t afford to drop one per cent or your performance suffers so I’ll keep on working hard and keep trying to improve myself, not just as a player but as a person as well. It’s important that I keep myself disciplined and keep working hard.”
Further to the announcements earlier this week, the Ospreys have also confirmed that Fiji and Worcester centre Josh Matavesi, Dragons and Wales full-back Dan Evans, and Dragons hooker, Sam Parry, will arrive in Ospreylia this summer. In addition, the Ospreys have secured the services of a number of key players beyond the end of the current campaign with Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Lewis, Ashley Beck, Eli Walker, Jonathan Spratt, Ben John, Ryan Bevington and Dmitri Arhip all signing new contracts.
Andy Lloyd, Rugby Operations Manager, paid tribute to Suter’s character, describing him as an “example” to his colleagues. He commented:
“Daniel is someone who works hard, has a tremendous attitude, and just seems to get better every day. We’ve watched him really develop in this environment over the last two or three years and his work ethic is an example to other young players.
“He’s established himself in and around the group this season and shown that he has the ability to play at this level, getting significant game time. Daniel is one of an exciting pool of young props at the region who have come through the development pathway to give us significant front row depth. Despite being young, they are getting valuable senior level experience with the Ospreys, something which will stand them in good stead for next season and beyond.”