Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce that Justin Tipuric has signed a new long-term deal, committing himself to his home region until the summer of 2020.
The 27-year old flanker, hailed today as “one of the best sevens around” had 18 months still to run on his existing contract but the Ospreys have moved swiftly to secure his future for a further two years.
The British & Irish Lion made his Ospreys debut seven years ago last Saturday, aged 20, since when he has gone on to play 128 times for the Ospreys to date.
The news comes as a further boost to the Ospreys, coming just 10 days after fellow back-rower, Dan Lydiate, also recommitted by putting pen to paper on a new NDC with the region and the WRU.
“It’s a good place to be at. It was an easy decision” said Tipuric.
“We are going in the right direction and I’m happy to sign for the team I support.
“The group of players we’ve got now helps, obviously family comes into it, and you want to win things. I’ve won one league with the Ospreys and I want to win more, which I think we can do.
“There have been some ups and downs over the last few seasons but we’ve learned from them and are in a much better place. With some experienced players added to the squad, key players re-signing and plenty of young talent coming through it’s an exciting time for the Ospreys.”
Proud of his Trebanos roots, where he first picked up a rugby ball and remains involved with his local club as a coach to this day, he came through the ranks of the regional development pathway before making 32 appearances for Aberavon.
His leadership ability, not to mention his rugby talent, was recognised early on, Tipuric becoming the second youngest ever Ospreys captain when he led the team out at the RDS to face Leinster in January 2011, still only 21.
He became the 26th Ospreys centurion when, again as captain, he helped the team to a 26-12 win over Munster at the Liberty Stadium in March 2015.
Tipuric’s 19 tries make him the third highest scoring forward in the region’s history, one behind the Joneses, Alun Wyn and Ryan, who both have 20.
Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, added:
“Justin is an unbelievable talent and a fantastic Osprey, so it is excellent news for us that he sees his long-term future here. Not only does he have phenomenal talent, he has a work ethic to match, which is the secret of why has become one of the best sevens around.
“When you look at him in our environment, head down and working hard, you realise what a great role model he is, whether that be working hard with the youngsters to help them improve, or leading by example striving for excellence in his own game, he is relentless.
“For a player of his calibre to re-sign, it’s great for us.”
His international debut came in August 2011, against, and he won his 44th Wales cap at the weekend. Tipuric was a victorious 2013 Lions tourist to Australia, featuring off the bench in the series deciding third test.