fbpx
Wikipedia

Ospreys (rugby union)

November 10, 2023

The Ospreys (Welsh: Y Gweilch), formerly the Neath–Swansea Ospreys[1][2] is one of the four professional rugby union teams from Wales. They compete in the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Champions Cup. The team formed as a result of Neath RFC and Swansea RFC combining to create a new merged entity, as part of the new regional structure of Welsh rugby, that began in 2003. They are also affiliated with a number of local semi-professional and amateur clubs, including Welsh Premier Division sides Aberavon RFC, Bridgend Ravens, and original founding clubs Neath and Swansea. The regional area represented by the team has widely become known for rugby purposes as 'Ospreylia'.[3]

Ospreys
UnionWelsh Rugby Union
Founded2003; 20 years ago (2003)
LocationSwansea, Wales
Ground(s)Swansea.com Stadium (Capacity: 20,827)
Coach(es)Toby Booth
Captain(s)Justin Tipuric
Most capsAlun Wyn Jones (268)
Top scorerDan Biggar (2,203)
Most triesShane Williams (57)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2022–2313th (Welsh Shield: 2nd)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.ospreysrugby.com

Their main home ground is the Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea, although some smaller profile games have been played at the Brewery Field, Bridgend. Ospreys currently play in a black home strip, while the away strip is white and orange. The Ospreys logo consists of an image of an Osprey mask.

The Ospreys are the most successful Welsh team in the history of the Celtic League or Pro12 tournament, having won the competition four times. They also became the first and only Welsh regional team to beat a major touring side, defeating Australia 24–16 in 2006.[4]

History edit

 
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff
Scarlets
Llanelli
Ospreys
Swansea
Neath
Dragons
Newport
The 4 Welsh Rugby Union Regions of Wales

Infancy edit

On 24 July 2003, it was announced that the new team jointly representing Neath RFC and Swansea RFC would be known as the Neath–Swansea Ospreys.[5] The Ospreys part of the team's name was inspired by the use of the bird as Swansea RFC's centenary badge. Former Neath RFC coach Lyn Jones was appointed as head coach, who named Scott Gibbs as the team's first captain.[6] 5 September 2003 saw the region play their first competitive game, a 41–30 Celtic League home win over Irish province Ulster at The Gnoll in Neath.[7] Leeds Tykes were the Ospreys' first Heineken Cup opponents, with the English team triumphing 29–20 on 7 December 2003.[8] They struggled to recover from their opening defeat, finishing bottom of their pool, recording their only victory against the Tykes' at home in the final round at St. Helens.[9] Domestically the Ospreys' did salvage some pride, avoiding becoming the lowest placed Welsh region, by pipping Cardiff Blues to fifth place in the Celtic League.[10]

Following the demise of the Celtic Warriors region on 1 June 2004,[11] the Neath–Swansea Ospreys had their borders extended to cover much of the Bridgend and Ogmore areas to the east.[12] However, for logistical reasons it was decided that no home games would be played at Bridgend RFC's Brewery Field.[13] Former Warriors players David Bishop, Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones and Sonny Parker were signed by the Ospreys'.

2004–2007 edit

The 2004–05 season saw significant on field improvement for the region. A capacity crowd of 10,280 was present at The Gnoll on 26 March 2005 to witness the Ospreys claim their first piece of silverware. A 29–12 win over Edinburgh, with two rounds of the competition still remaining, saw the team crowned Celtic League champions.[14] However, impressive back to back wins over Harlequins were not enough to overcome Munster in the pool stages of that season's Heineken Cup. On 14 May 2005 it was announced that the "Neath–Swansea" part of the team's name would be dropped, with them to be referred to as the Ospreys.[1]

A growing sense of expectation surrounded the team heading into 2005–06, an expectation they struggled to cope with, finishing a disappointing seventh in the Celtic League. A difficult Heineken Cup pool made up of tough opposition in Leicester Tigers, Stade Francais and ASM Clermont Auvergne proved too difficult, as they finished a distant third. A gutsy home victory over Stade[15] and a last gasp defeat to Leicester,[16] did however offer some crumbs of comfort. In April 2006 it was announced that noted former New Zealand All Blacks scrum half Justin Marshall had signed to play for Ospreys.

The Ospreys won the Celtic League during the 2006/07 season, topping the league by a single point and taking the title with an away win at Borders. Winning the Celtic League for a second time meant the Ospreys were the first team to have won the Celtic League twice. In February 2008, the Ospreys provided 13 of the starting line-up for Wales in their Six Nations match against England, setting a new record for the number of players from one region playing for their national side. During the 2007/08 season the Ospreys reached Quarter-final of the Heineken Cup for the first time but unexpectedly lost to Saracens. The following week they won the EDF Energy Cup beating Leicester Tigers at Twickenham.

In November 2006 when it became apparent that Wales 'A' would not be able to face Australia A national rugby union team midweek during their November tour, the Ospreys became the first Welsh region to play a major international side since regional rugby was introduced, a match they won 24–16.[17] Following the win over the Wallabies, the term Ospreylia became ingrained in popular culture[18][19][20] with it being adopted by the region and its supporters as a description of the geographical area covered by the region, with supporters known as Ospreylians. Peter Black, Assembly Member for south west Wales has declared himself as AM for Ospreylia on his own blog.[21]

On 23 February 2007, the Ospreys played their first 'A' team match, against Newport-Gwent Dragons 'A' at Bridgend, which was the first 'A' match fixture for any of the Welsh regional sides. They lost the match 22–10. They have since gone on to play Worcester 'A' in April, a game which they lost 24–23 to an injury-time penalty.

2008–2011 edit

In February 2008 Andrew Hore was appointed as the Ospreys as elite performance director. Previously Hore had been high performance manager with the New Zealand Rugby Union.[22]

A disappointing seventh-place finish in the Celtic League and a surprise Heineken Cup quarter-final exit to Saracens F.C. saw head coach Lyn Jones resign at the end of the 2007–08 season, on 16 May 2008 Assistant Coach Sean Holley and forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys would continue as part of a new management structure being overseen by Andrew Hore, until a replacement could be found.[23] Scott Johnson, the former head coach of the Welsh national team, and attack coach when Wales won the Six Nations Championship Grand Slam in 2005 for the first time in 27 years, was announced as director of coaching at the Ospreys on 29 January 2009.

On 21 April 2009, the Ospreys had six players included in the British & Irish Lions' squad for the 2009 South African tour: Lee Byrne (fullback), Tommy Bowe and Shane Williams (wings), Mike Phillips (scrum-half), Alun Wyn Jones (lock) and Adam Jones (prop). One notable omission however, was Wales and Ospreys captain Ryan Jones. The Ospreys announced the signing of former New Zealand All Blacks captain Jerry Collins on 9 May 2009.[24] Collins had been a stalwart for the All Blacks, since 2004 but retired from international rugby in 2008.

A 29–28 defeat by Biarritz on 10 April 2010 dashed the team's hopes of a first Heineken Cup semi-final appearance. A late Nicky Walker try in San Sebastien proved in vain.[25] However, on 29 May 2010, the Ospreys won the 2009–10 Celtic League by defeating Leinster in the final by 17–12 at the RDS Arena in Dublin.[26]

Following a wide-ranging review, Andrew Hore, previously elite performance director at the Ospreys, became on 26 April 2011 chief operations officer at the region.[22]

2010–11 would not see the region reach the heights of the previous one. Despite winning all their home pool games in the Heineken Cup, a failure to win on the road proved costly, with Munster and Toulon progressing instead. Another win for Munster at Thomond Park on 14 May 2011, ended the Ospreys Celtic League aspirations at the semi-final stage.[27]

2012–2018 edit

Former player Steve Tandy was appointed as new Ospreys head coach on 15 February 2012 replacing Sean Holley in the role, as Scott Johnson also departed to take up a coaching role with Scotland.[28] Both Holley and Johnson's final game as part of the coaching setup at the Liberty Stadium had been a 36–5 away loss to Biarritz, which marked the end of a Heineken Cup campaign that saw them again fail to win on their travels. New coach Tandy enjoyed a successful start to his tenure, winning eight of his first ten matches as full-time Head Coach, including winning the 2011–12 Pro12 following a 31–30 win over Leinster at the RDS, thanks to a late Shane Williams try in his final match for the region 29–30 and Dan Biggar adding a difficult conversion for the win 31–30.[29] Ospreys have reached 2 semi-finals in the subsequent 6 seasons, but not made the final.

Following a poor start to the 2017–2018 season, Tandy was sacked by the Ospreys.[30] Forwards coach Allen Clarke took over on an interim basis, before agreeing to a three year deal as head coach.[31]

2018– edit

For the 2018–2019 season, along with new head coach Clarke, Matt Sherratt joined the coaching staff, replacing Gruff Rees.[32] The season also began with notable squad changes, with record points scorer Dan Biggar departing for Northampton Saints,[33] and stalwart Paul James retiring.[34] The Ospreys were boosted with the signings of Welsh internationals George North,[35] Scott Williams,[36] and Aled Davies.[37] The season saw a modest improvement for the Ospreys, winning 12 matches and losing 9, as well as beating west Wales rivals the Scarlets for a Champions Cup place.[38]

Season records edit

Celtic League / Pro12 / Pro14 / URC edit

Season Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2003–04 5th 22 11 1 10 9 55
2004–05 1st 20 16 1 3 10 76
2005–06 7th 22 11 0 9 3 55[a]
2006–07 1st 20 14 0 6 8 64
2007–08 7th 18 6 1 11 11 37
2008–09 4th 18 11 0 7 8 52
2009–10 2nd 18 13 0 5 6 52
Semi-final Ospreys 20 – 15 Glasgow Warriors
Grand Final Leinster 12 – 17 Ospreys
2010–11 4th 22 12 1 9 13 63
Semi-final Munster 18 – 11 Ospreys
2011–12 2nd 22 16 1 5 5 71
Semi-final Ospreys 45 – 10 Munster
Grand Final Leinster 30 – 31 Ospreys
2012–13 5th 22 14 1 7 4 62
2013–14 5th 22 13 1 8 6 66
2014–15 3rd 22 16 1 5 8 74
Semi-final Munster 21 – 18 Ospreys
2015–16 8th 22 11 1 10 9 55
2016–17 4th 22 14 0 8 13 69
Semi-final Munster 23 – 3 Ospreys
2017–18 Conference A, 5th 21 9 1 12 8 44
7th Champions Cup place Playoff Ulster 35 – 17 Ospreys
2018–19 Conference A, 4th 21 12 0 9 10 58
7th Champions Cup place Playoff Ospreys 21 – 10 Scarlets
2019–20 Conference A, 7th 15[b] 2 2 11 5 17
2020–21 Conference A, 3rd 16[c] 8 0 8 4 36
Rainbow Cup, 8th 5 2 1 2 3 11
2021–22 Welsh Shield, 1st (9th overall) 18 10 0 8 6 46

Celtic Cup edit

Season Round Match
2003–04 Preliminary Leinster 35 – 21 Neath–Swansea Ospreys
2004–05 Semi-final Llanelli Scarlets 23 – 15 Neath–Swansea Ospreys

Heineken Cup / Rugby Champions Cup edit

Season Pool/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2003–04 Pool 2 4th 6 1 0 5 0 4
2004–05 Pool 4 3rd 6 3 0 3 2 14
2005–06 Pool 4 3rd 6 2 0 4 1 9
2006–07 Pool 3 2nd 6 4 1 1 2 20
2007–08 Pool 2 2nd 6 5 0 1 1 21
Quarter-final Saracens 19 – 10 Ospreys
2008–09 Pool 3 2nd 6 4 0 2 4 20
Quarter-final Munster 43 – 9 Ospreys
2009–10 Pool 3 2nd 6 4 1 1 2 20
Quarter-final Biarritz Olympique 29 – 28 Ospreys
2010–11 Pool 3 3rd 6 3 0 3 2 14
2011–12 Pool 5 3rd 6 2 1 3 3 13
2012–13 Pool 2 3rd 6 2 1 3 2 12
2013–14 Pool 1 4th 6 1 0 5 1 5
2014–15 Pool 5 3rd 6 1 1 4 3 9
2015–16 Pool 2 3rd 6 3 0 3 4 16
2017–18 Pool 2 3rd 6 2 1 3 5 15
2019–20 Pool 4 4th 6 0 0 6 2 2
2021–22 Pool A 12th 4 0 0 4 0 0

Rugby Challenge Cup edit

Season Pool/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2016–17 Pool 2 1st 6 6 0 0 6 30
Quarter-final Ospreys 21–25 Stade Français
2018–19 Pool 2 2nd 6 2 0 4 5 13
2020–21 Prelim Stage 2nd 2[d] 2 0 0 2 10
Round of 16 Ospreys 24–28 Newcastle Falcons

Anglo-Welsh Cup edit

Season Group/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2005–06 Group A 3rd 3 1 0 2 2 6
2006–07 Group A 1st 3 3 0 0 2 14
Semi-final Ospreys 27 – 10 Cardiff Blues
Final Leicester Tigers 41 – 35 Ospreys
2007–08 Group C 1st 3 3 0 0 2 14
Semi-final Ospreys 30 – 3 Saracens
Final Ospreys 23 – 6 Leicester Tigers
2008–09 Group C 1st 3 2 0 1 2 10
Semi-final Gloucester 17 – 0 Ospreys
2009–10 Pool 1 4th 4 1 0 3 1 5
2010–11 Pool 4 3rd 4 3 0 1 2 14
2011–12 Pool 1 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 5
2012–13 Pool 4 3rd 4 1 0 3 2 6
2013–14 Pool 3 2nd 4 1 0 3 2 6
2014–15 Pool 4 2nd 4 1 0 3 1 6
2016–17 Pool 2 2nd 4 3 0 1 3 15
2017–18 Pool 4 4th 4 1 0 3 0 4
  1. ^ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead.
    Therefore, each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant.
  2. ^ Only 15 rounds were played during the 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.[39]
  3. ^ Only 16 rounds were played during the 2020–21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, with the remaining matches replaced by the Pro14 Rainbow Cup competition.[40]
  4. ^ Only 2 rounds of the preliminary stage were played before suspension due to new restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. A revised format to finish the competition involving the top 8 teams from the preliminary stage and knocked out teams from the Champions Cup was played thereafter.[41]

Home grounds edit

 
Liberty Stadium

In their first two seasons, the Ospreys shared their home games between St Helen's (home ground of Swansea RFC) and The Gnoll (home ground of Neath RFC). Since their third season in 2005–06, they have played at the purpose-built 20,000 seat Liberty Stadium in Landore, Swansea, which is shared with Swansea City. The Liberty Stadium, with double the capacity of St Helen's, has seen a capacity crowd for the matches against international tourists Australia 'A' team (1 November 2006[42]) and against local rivals the Scarlets.[43] On 12 November 2010 the team played their first competitive fixture at the Brewery Field home ground of Bridgend Ravens in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.[44]

Kit suppliers edit

From their foundation to the 2013–14 season, the Ospreys kit suppliers were Kooga. Between the seasons 2014–2017, BLK supplied the Ospreys kits. Canterbury supplied the kits for the 2018–2021 seasons. Starting for the 2021/22 season, the Ospreys would form a kit partnership with Umbro.[45]

Current standings edit

Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
1   Connacht 3 3 0 0 90 72 +18 10 10 1 0 13
2   Munster 3 2 1 0 92 48 +44 13 6 2 0 12
3   Bulls 3 2 0 1 136 76 +60 20 9 2 1 11
4   Stormers 3 2 0 1 96 60 +36 12 9 2 0 10
5   Glasgow Warriors 3 2 0 1 89 68 +21 14 6 2 0 10
6   Leinster 3 2 0 1 95 83 +12 13 11 2 0 10
7   Ospreys 3 2 0 1 79 70 +9 11 10 2 0 10
8   Ulster 3 2 0 1 86 77 +9 10 12 1 1 10
9   Benetton 3 2 1 0 51 45 +6 5 5 0 0 10
10   Edinburgh 3 2 0 1 66 69 –3 6 8 0 0 8
11   Cardiff 3 1 0 2 63 63 0 7 6 0 2 6
12   Scarlets 3 1 0 2 59 140 –81 8 20 1 0 5
13   Zebre Parma 3 0 0 3 96 128 –32 15 18 3 2 5
14   Lions 3 0 0 3 59 67 –8 7 8 1 3 4
15   Dragons 3 0 0 3 40 83 –43 4 9 0 2 2
16   Sharks 3 0 0 3 39 87 –48 5 13 0 0 0
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[46]
  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest red cards received;
  7. the fewest yellow cards received.
Green background indicates teams that are play-off places and earn a place in the 2024–25 European Champions Cup

Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2024–25 European Challenge Cup.
Q: qualified for play-offs. H: home field advantage secured for quarter-and semi-final. h; home field advantage secured for quarter-final X: cannot reach play-offs. E: qualified for Champions Cup.

Current squad edit

For player movements before or during the 2023–24 season, see List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers § Ospreys.
Ospreys United Rugby Championship squad[a]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
ST denotes players signed on a short-term basis.
L denotes a player on loan at the club.
Players and their allocated positions from the Ospreys website.[47]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023–24 season as listed on List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Development Squad edit

Ospreys Development squad[a]

Props

  •   Alex George
  •   Kian Hire
  •   Dylan James
  •   Lewis Sullivan

Hookers

  •   Finley Thomas

Locks

  •   Finley Evans
  •   Evan Hill

Back row

  •   Cerith Davies
  •   Kyle Harris
  •   Oliver Jones
  •   Seb Rodriguez-Davies

Scrum-halves

  •   Rhodri Lewis
  •   Brychan Wood

Fly-halves

  •   Luke Davies

Centres

  •   Sam Matthews

Wings

  •   Josh Carrington
  •   Rhydian Greenhall

Fullbacks

  •   Ben Evans
  •   Cori Lewis-Jenkins
(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Ospreys website.[48]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023–24 season as listed on List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Management & Coaching staff edit

Management

Position Name Nationality
Owner James Davies-Yandle   Wales
CEO Vacant
Director Roger Blyth   Wales
Corporate Brand Director Vacant

Coaching

Position Name Nationality
Rugby General Manager Dan Griffiths   Wales
Development Director Mike Ruddock   Wales
Performance Director Corin Palmer   England
Development Pathway Manager Gareth Walters   Wales
Head Coach Toby Booth   England
First Team Coach Duncan Jones   Wales
Defense Coach Mark Jones   Wales
Skills coach Richard Fussell   Wales
Academy Skills coach Andrew Bishop   Wales
Academy Skills coach James Hook   Wales
Team Logistics Manager Dai Davies   Wales
Head of Physical Performance Simon Church   Wales
Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach Alex Lawson   Wales
Strength & Conditioning Coach Josh Robinson   Wales
Strength & Conditioning Coach Liam Thomas   Wales
Medical Performance Manager Chris Towers   Wales
Physiotherapist Matthew Bowen   Wales
Physiotherapist Gavin Daglish   Wales
Lead Doctor Simon Davies   Wales
Head Analyst Aled Griffiths   Wales
Analyst Dan Hiscocks   Wales
Analyst Callum Nibblet   Wales
Kit Custodian Shaun McAuliffe   Wales
Admin Assistant/Travel Coordinator Lyn Jones   Wales
Sports Psychologist Steve Mellalieu   Wales
Graduate Sports Therapist Dan Maru   Wales

Notable players & coaches edit

See also: Category:Ospreys (rugby union) players

Welsh Internationals edit

The following players have represented Wales internationally and represented the Ospreys.[49]

British & Irish Lions edit

The following players were selected for the British & Irish Lions touring squads while contracted to the Ospreys:[50]

Centurions edit

Players who have reached the 100 appearance mark for the Ospreys. The first numbers in brackets are the years they represented the Ospreys, while the second numbers in bold are the number of caps they received. Caps updated on 3 November 2023.[51]

Notable non-Welsh internationals edit

Notable non-Welsh players who have international caps with a Tier One or Two nation and represented the Ospreys.[49]

Former Coaches edit

Honours edit

ERC Elite Awards edit

During the 10th anniversary season of the Heineken Cup, ERC, the tournament organisers, introduced the ERC Elite Awards to recognise players and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the tournament.

Ospreys were awarded the ERC team award for playing 50 games.[52]

Ospreys players who have been awarded 50 tournament caps are:[53]

See also edit

Footnotes edit

  1. ^ a b Rugby News www.walesonline.co.uk, accessed 22 October 2020
  2. ^ Ospreys in name change: IN A bold move the Neath-Swansea Ospreys will be known as just The Ospreys from next season 14 May 2005 www.walesonline.co.uk, accessed 22 October 2020
  3. ^ Updated 9:58am 2 November 2012 (28 October 2006). "Rugby puts Ospreylia on the map - Rugby Columnists - Rugby". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  4. ^ "Ospreys 24-16 Australia". BBC News. 1 November 2006. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  5. ^ "Ospreys set to soar". BBC News. 24 July 2003. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  6. ^ Administrator, Sotic (2 September 2003). "News : Who Are The Ospreys?". Ulster Rugby. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  7. ^ "Ospreys soar on debut". BBC News. 5 September 2003. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  8. ^ . Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  9. ^ Sport (1 February 2004). . The Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  10. ^ . RaboDirectPRO12. Archived from the original on 14 July 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  11. ^ "WRU axe falls on Warriors". BBC News. 1 June 2004. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  12. ^ "Regions call to ex-Warriors". BBC News. 7 July 2004. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  13. ^ "Ospreys shun Brewery Field". BBC News. 3 August 2004. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  14. ^ "Ospreys 29-12 Edinburgh". BBC News. 26 March 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  15. ^ "ERC : Match Centre : Heineken Cup : Ospreys Take Points After Tense Thriller". Ercrugby.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  16. ^ "ERC : Match Centre : Heineken Cup : Tigers Snatch Late Victory". Ercrugby.com. 7 February 2006. Retrieved 2 November 2012.[permanent dead link]
  17. ^ "Wallabies to face Ospreys". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 August 2006.[permanent dead link]
  18. ^ Rugby puts Ospreylia on the map WalesOnline, 28 October 2006
  19. ^ Ordnance Survey maps out special edition for 'Ospreylia' WalesOnline, 27 October 2006
  20. ^ Amazon found in the continent called Ospreylia WalesOnline, 17 April 2006
  21. ^ "Probably the best region in the World". Peter Black AM. Retrieved 6 September 2007.
  22. ^ a b GMT (26 April 2011). "BBC Sport - New role for Andrew Hore at the Ospreys". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  23. ^ "Celtic League – Jones leaves Ospreys". Yahoo! Sport UK & Ireland. 16 May 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2008.[dead link]
  24. ^ Club (10 May 2009). "Jerry Collins signs for Ospreys". The Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  25. ^ "BBC Sport - Rugby Union - Biarritz 29-28 Ospreys". BBC News. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  26. ^ Petrie, Richard (29 May 2010). "Leinster 12–17 Ospreys". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
  27. ^ . RaboDirectPRO12. 14 May 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  28. ^ GMT (15 February 2012). "Steve Tandy replaces Sean Holley as Ospreys coach". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  29. ^ RaboDirect Pro12 Final: Leinster 30-31 Ospreys www.bbc.co.uk, accessed 22 October 2020
  30. ^ "Ospreys part with head coach Tandy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  31. ^ "Ospreys name Clarke as permanent coach". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  32. ^ "Blues coach Sherratt to replace Rees". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  33. ^ "Wales' Biggar to join Northampton in 2018". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  34. ^ "Wales international Paul James retires". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  35. ^ "George North to Ospreys confirmed". PlanetRugby. 25 April 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  36. ^ "Wales star Williams signs for Ospreys | Ospreys". www.ospreysrugby.com. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  37. ^ "Wales scrum-half signs for Ospreys | Ospreys". www.ospreysrugby.com. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  38. ^ "Ospreys beat Scarlets to Champions Cup spot in playoff". 18 May 2019. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  39. ^ "Pro14 restart: 2019-20 season resumes with derby weekends". BBC.co.uk. BBC Sport. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  40. ^ "Guinness PRO14 to Conclude in March Ahead of Rainbow Cup with South Africa's Super Teams". www.pro14.rugby. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
  41. ^ "Revised EPCR tournament formats for 2020/21 season announced". European Professional Club Rugby. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  42. ^ Ospreys 24–16 Australia BBC Sport, 1 November 2006
  43. ^ Ospreys 50–24 Scarlets BBC Sport, 26 December 2006
  44. ^ "Kristian Phillips inspires Ospreys to victory over Leicester Tigers". The Guardian. London. 12 November 2010.
  45. ^ "Ospreys announce kit partnership with Umbro | Ospreys". www.ospreysrugby.com. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  46. ^ League Format (3) "Competition Rules". United Rugby Championship. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  47. ^ "Ospreys Squad". Ospreys. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  48. ^ "Academy Squad". Ospreys. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  49. ^ a b "International Players". Ospreys. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  50. ^ "Lions Players". Ospreys. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  51. ^ "Player Records". Ospreys. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  52. ^ . Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  53. ^ . Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2013.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • Ospreys on itsrugby.co.uk
  • Aberavon RFC (official site)
  • Bridgend RFC (official site)
  • Neath RFC (official site)
  • Swansea RFC (official site)

November 10, 2023
ospreys, rugby, union, ospreys, welsh, gweilch, formerly, neath, swansea, ospreys, four, professional, rugby, union, teams, from, wales, they, compete, united, rugby, championship, european, rugby, champions, team, formed, result, neath, swansea, combining, cr. The Ospreys Welsh Y Gweilch formerly the Neath Swansea Ospreys 1 2 is one of the four professional rugby union teams from Wales They compete in the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Champions Cup The team formed as a result of Neath RFC and Swansea RFC combining to create a new merged entity as part of the new regional structure of Welsh rugby that began in 2003 They are also affiliated with a number of local semi professional and amateur clubs including Welsh Premier Division sides Aberavon RFC Bridgend Ravens and original founding clubs Neath and Swansea The regional area represented by the team has widely become known for rugby purposes as Ospreylia 3 OspreysUnionWelsh Rugby UnionFounded2003 20 years ago 2003 LocationSwansea WalesGround s Swansea com Stadium Capacity 20 827 Coach es Toby BoothCaptain s Justin TipuricMost capsAlun Wyn Jones 268 Top scorerDan Biggar 2 203 Most triesShane Williams 57 League s United Rugby Championship2022 2313th Welsh Shield 2nd 1st kit2nd kitOfficial websitewww wbr ospreysrugby wbr comTheir main home ground is the Swansea com Stadium Swansea although some smaller profile games have been played at the Brewery Field Bridgend Ospreys currently play in a black home strip while the away strip is white and orange The Ospreys logo consists of an image of an Osprey mask The Ospreys are the most successful Welsh team in the history of the Celtic League or Pro12 tournament having won the competition four times They also became the first and only Welsh regional team to beat a major touring side defeating Australia 24 16 in 2006 4 Contents 1 History 1 1 Infancy 1 2 2004 2007 1 3 2008 2011 1 4 2012 2018 1 5 2018 2 Season records 2 1 Celtic League Pro12 Pro14 URC 2 2 Celtic Cup 2 3 Heineken Cup Rugby Champions Cup 2 4 Rugby Challenge Cup 2 5 Anglo Welsh Cup 3 Home grounds 4 Kit suppliers 5 Current standings 6 Current squad 6 1 Development Squad 7 Management amp Coaching staff 8 Notable players amp coaches 8 1 Welsh Internationals 8 2 British amp Irish Lions 8 3 Centurions 8 4 Notable non Welsh internationals 8 5 Former Coaches 9 Honours 10 ERC Elite Awards 11 See also 12 Footnotes 13 External linksHistory edit nbsp Cardiff Blues Cardiff Scarlets Llanelli Ospreys Swansea Neath Dragons Newport The 4 Welsh Rugby Union Regions of WalesInfancy edit On 24 July 2003 it was announced that the new team jointly representing Neath RFC and Swansea RFC would be known as the Neath Swansea Ospreys 5 The Ospreys part of the team s name was inspired by the use of the bird as Swansea RFC s centenary badge Former Neath RFC coach Lyn Jones was appointed as head coach who named Scott Gibbs as the team s first captain 6 5 September 2003 saw the region play their first competitive game a 41 30 Celtic League home win over Irish province Ulster at The Gnoll in Neath 7 Leeds Tykes were the Ospreys first Heineken Cup opponents with the English team triumphing 29 20 on 7 December 2003 8 They struggled to recover from their opening defeat finishing bottom of their pool recording their only victory against the Tykes at home in the final round at St Helens 9 Domestically the Ospreys did salvage some pride avoiding becoming the lowest placed Welsh region by pipping Cardiff Blues to fifth place in the Celtic League 10 Following the demise of the Celtic Warriors region on 1 June 2004 11 the Neath Swansea Ospreys had their borders extended to cover much of the Bridgend and Ogmore areas to the east 12 However for logistical reasons it was decided that no home games would be played at Bridgend RFC s Brewery Field 13 Former Warriors players David Bishop Brent Cockbain Ryan Jones and Sonny Parker were signed by the Ospreys 2004 2007 edit The 2004 05 season saw significant on field improvement for the region A capacity crowd of 10 280 was present at The Gnoll on 26 March 2005 to witness the Ospreys claim their first piece of silverware A 29 12 win over Edinburgh with two rounds of the competition still remaining saw the team crowned Celtic League champions 14 However impressive back to back wins over Harlequins were not enough to overcome Munster in the pool stages of that season s Heineken Cup On 14 May 2005 it was announced that the Neath Swansea part of the team s name would be dropped with them to be referred to as the Ospreys 1 A growing sense of expectation surrounded the team heading into 2005 06 an expectation they struggled to cope with finishing a disappointing seventh in the Celtic League A difficult Heineken Cup pool made up of tough opposition in Leicester Tigers Stade Francais and ASM Clermont Auvergne proved too difficult as they finished a distant third A gutsy home victory over Stade 15 and a last gasp defeat to Leicester 16 did however offer some crumbs of comfort In April 2006 it was announced that noted former New Zealand All Blacks scrum half Justin Marshall had signed to play for Ospreys The Ospreys won the Celtic League during the 2006 07 season topping the league by a single point and taking the title with an away win at Borders Winning the Celtic League for a second time meant the Ospreys were the first team to have won the Celtic League twice In February 2008 the Ospreys provided 13 of the starting line up for Wales in their Six Nations match against England setting a new record for the number of players from one region playing for their national side During the 2007 08 season the Ospreys reached Quarter final of the Heineken Cup for the first time but unexpectedly lost to Saracens The following week they won the EDF Energy Cup beating Leicester Tigers at Twickenham In November 2006 when it became apparent that Wales A would not be able to face Australia A national rugby union team midweek during their November tour the Ospreys became the first Welsh region to play a major international side since regional rugby was introduced a match they won 24 16 17 Following the win over the Wallabies the term Ospreylia became ingrained in popular culture 18 19 20 with it being adopted by the region and its supporters as a description of the geographical area covered by the region with supporters known as Ospreylians Peter Black Assembly Member for south west Wales has declared himself as AM for Ospreylia on his own blog 21 On 23 February 2007 the Ospreys played their first A team match against Newport Gwent Dragons A at Bridgend which was the first A match fixture for any of the Welsh regional sides They lost the match 22 10 They have since gone on to play Worcester A in April a game which they lost 24 23 to an injury time penalty 2008 2011 edit In February 2008 Andrew Hore was appointed as the Ospreys as elite performance director Previously Hore had been high performance manager with the New Zealand Rugby Union 22 A disappointing seventh place finish in the Celtic League and a surprise Heineken Cup quarter final exit to Saracens F C saw head coach Lyn Jones resign at the end of the 2007 08 season on 16 May 2008 Assistant Coach Sean Holley and forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys would continue as part of a new management structure being overseen by Andrew Hore until a replacement could be found 23 Scott Johnson the former head coach of the Welsh national team and attack coach when Wales won the Six Nations Championship Grand Slam in 2005 for the first time in 27 years was announced as director of coaching at the Ospreys on 29 January 2009 On 21 April 2009 the Ospreys had six players included in the British amp Irish Lions squad for the 2009 South African tour Lee Byrne fullback Tommy Bowe and Shane Williams wings Mike Phillips scrum half Alun Wyn Jones lock and Adam Jones prop One notable omission however was Wales and Ospreys captain Ryan Jones The Ospreys announced the signing of former New Zealand All Blacks captain Jerry Collins on 9 May 2009 24 Collins had been a stalwart for the All Blacks since 2004 but retired from international rugby in 2008 A 29 28 defeat by Biarritz on 10 April 2010 dashed the team s hopes of a first Heineken Cup semi final appearance A late Nicky Walker try in San Sebastien proved in vain 25 However on 29 May 2010 the Ospreys won the 2009 10 Celtic League by defeating Leinster in the final by 17 12 at the RDS Arena in Dublin 26 Following a wide ranging review Andrew Hore previously elite performance director at the Ospreys became on 26 April 2011 chief operations officer at the region 22 2010 11 would not see the region reach the heights of the previous one Despite winning all their home pool games in the Heineken Cup a failure to win on the road proved costly with Munster and Toulon progressing instead Another win for Munster at Thomond Park on 14 May 2011 ended the Ospreys Celtic League aspirations at the semi final stage 27 2012 2018 edit Former player Steve Tandy was appointed as new Ospreys head coach on 15 February 2012 replacing Sean Holley in the role as Scott Johnson also departed to take up a coaching role with Scotland 28 Both Holley and Johnson s final game as part of the coaching setup at the Liberty Stadium had been a 36 5 away loss to Biarritz which marked the end of a Heineken Cup campaign that saw them again fail to win on their travels New coach Tandy enjoyed a successful start to his tenure winning eight of his first ten matches as full time Head Coach including winning the 2011 12 Pro12 following a 31 30 win over Leinster at the RDS thanks to a late Shane Williams try in his final match for the region 29 30 and Dan Biggar adding a difficult conversion for the win 31 30 29 Ospreys have reached 2 semi finals in the subsequent 6 seasons but not made the final Following a poor start to the 2017 2018 season Tandy was sacked by the Ospreys 30 Forwards coach Allen Clarke took over on an interim basis before agreeing to a three year deal as head coach 31 2018 edit For the 2018 2019 season along with new head coach Clarke Matt Sherratt joined the coaching staff replacing Gruff Rees 32 The season also began with notable squad changes with record points scorer Dan Biggar departing for Northampton Saints 33 and stalwart Paul James retiring 34 The Ospreys were boosted with the signings of Welsh internationals George North 35 Scott Williams 36 and Aled Davies 37 The season saw a modest improvement for the Ospreys winning 12 matches and losing 9 as well as beating west Wales rivals the Scarlets for a Champions Cup place 38 Season records editCeltic League Pro12 Pro14 URC edit Season Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points2003 04 5th 22 11 1 10 9 552004 05 1st 20 16 1 3 10 762005 06 7th 22 11 0 9 3 55 a 2006 07 1st 20 14 0 6 8 642007 08 7th 18 6 1 11 11 372008 09 4th 18 11 0 7 8 522009 10 2nd 18 13 0 5 6 52Semi final Ospreys 20 15 Glasgow WarriorsGrand Final Leinster 12 17 Ospreys2010 11 4th 22 12 1 9 13 63Semi final Munster 18 11 Ospreys2011 12 2nd 22 16 1 5 5 71Semi final Ospreys 45 10 MunsterGrand Final Leinster 30 31 Ospreys2012 13 5th 22 14 1 7 4 622013 14 5th 22 13 1 8 6 662014 15 3rd 22 16 1 5 8 74Semi final Munster 21 18 Ospreys2015 16 8th 22 11 1 10 9 552016 17 4th 22 14 0 8 13 69Semi final Munster 23 3 Ospreys2017 18 Conference A 5th 21 9 1 12 8 447th Champions Cup place Playoff Ulster 35 17 Ospreys2018 19 Conference A 4th 21 12 0 9 10 587th Champions Cup place Playoff Ospreys 21 10 Scarlets2019 20 Conference A 7th 15 b 2 2 11 5 172020 21 Conference A 3rd 16 c 8 0 8 4 36Rainbow Cup 8th 5 2 1 2 3 112021 22 Welsh Shield 1st 9th overall 18 10 0 8 6 46Celtic Cup edit Season Round Match2003 04 Preliminary Leinster 35 21 Neath Swansea Ospreys2004 05 Semi final Llanelli Scarlets 23 15 Neath Swansea OspreysHeineken Cup Rugby Champions Cup edit Season Pool Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points2003 04 Pool 2 4th 6 1 0 5 0 42004 05 Pool 4 3rd 6 3 0 3 2 142005 06 Pool 4 3rd 6 2 0 4 1 92006 07 Pool 3 2nd 6 4 1 1 2 202007 08 Pool 2 2nd 6 5 0 1 1 21Quarter final Saracens 19 10 Ospreys2008 09 Pool 3 2nd 6 4 0 2 4 20Quarter final Munster 43 9 Ospreys2009 10 Pool 3 2nd 6 4 1 1 2 20Quarter final Biarritz Olympique 29 28 Ospreys2010 11 Pool 3 3rd 6 3 0 3 2 142011 12 Pool 5 3rd 6 2 1 3 3 132012 13 Pool 2 3rd 6 2 1 3 2 122013 14 Pool 1 4th 6 1 0 5 1 52014 15 Pool 5 3rd 6 1 1 4 3 92015 16 Pool 2 3rd 6 3 0 3 4 162017 18 Pool 2 3rd 6 2 1 3 5 152019 20 Pool 4 4th 6 0 0 6 2 22021 22 Pool A 12th 4 0 0 4 0 0Rugby Challenge Cup edit Season Pool Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points2016 17 Pool 2 1st 6 6 0 0 6 30Quarter final Ospreys 21 25 Stade Francais2018 19 Pool 2 2nd 6 2 0 4 5 132020 21 Prelim Stage 2nd 2 d 2 0 0 2 10Round of 16 Ospreys 24 28 Newcastle FalconsAnglo Welsh Cup edit Season Group Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points2005 06 Group A 3rd 3 1 0 2 2 62006 07 Group A 1st 3 3 0 0 2 14Semi final Ospreys 27 10 Cardiff BluesFinal Leicester Tigers 41 35 Ospreys2007 08 Group C 1st 3 3 0 0 2 14Semi final Ospreys 30 3 SaracensFinal Ospreys 23 6 Leicester Tigers2008 09 Group C 1st 3 2 0 1 2 10Semi final Gloucester 17 0 Ospreys2009 10 Pool 1 4th 4 1 0 3 1 52010 11 Pool 4 3rd 4 3 0 1 2 142011 12 Pool 1 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 52012 13 Pool 4 3rd 4 1 0 3 2 62013 14 Pool 3 2nd 4 1 0 3 2 62014 15 Pool 4 2nd 4 1 0 3 1 62016 17 Pool 2 2nd 4 3 0 1 3 152017 18 Pool 4 4th 4 1 0 3 0 4 11 teams were involved in this season so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead Therefore each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant Only 15 rounds were played during the 2019 20 season due to the COVID 19 pandemic in Europe 39 Only 16 rounds were played during the 2020 21 season due to the COVID 19 pandemic in Europe with the remaining matches replaced by the Pro14 Rainbow Cup competition 40 Only 2 rounds of the preliminary stage were played before suspension due to new restrictions surrounding the COVID 19 pandemic in Europe A revised format to finish the competition involving the top 8 teams from the preliminary stage and knocked out teams from the Champions Cup was played thereafter 41 Home grounds edit nbsp Liberty StadiumIn their first two seasons the Ospreys shared their home games between St Helen s home ground of Swansea RFC and The Gnoll home ground of Neath RFC Since their third season in 2005 06 they have played at the purpose built 20 000 seat Liberty Stadium in Landore Swansea which is shared with Swansea City The Liberty Stadium with double the capacity of St Helen s has seen a capacity crowd for the matches against international tourists Australia A team 1 November 2006 42 and against local rivals the Scarlets 43 On 12 November 2010 the team played their first competitive fixture at the Brewery Field home ground of Bridgend Ravens in the Anglo Welsh Cup 44 Kit suppliers editFrom their foundation to the 2013 14 season the Ospreys kit suppliers were Kooga Between the seasons 2014 2017 BLK supplied the Ospreys kits Canterbury supplied the kits for the 2018 2021 seasons Starting for the 2021 22 season the Ospreys would form a kit partnership with Umbro 45 Current standings edit2023 24 United Rugby Championship watch edit discussTeam P W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts1 nbsp Connacht 3 3 0 0 90 72 18 10 10 1 0 132 nbsp Munster 3 2 1 0 92 48 44 13 6 2 0 123 nbsp Bulls 3 2 0 1 136 76 60 20 9 2 1 114 nbsp Stormers 3 2 0 1 96 60 36 12 9 2 0 105 nbsp Glasgow Warriors 3 2 0 1 89 68 21 14 6 2 0 106 nbsp Leinster 3 2 0 1 95 83 12 13 11 2 0 107 nbsp Ospreys 3 2 0 1 79 70 9 11 10 2 0 108 nbsp Ulster 3 2 0 1 86 77 9 10 12 1 1 109 nbsp Benetton 3 2 1 0 51 45 6 5 5 0 0 1010 nbsp Edinburgh 3 2 0 1 66 69 3 6 8 0 0 811 nbsp Cardiff 3 1 0 2 63 63 0 7 6 0 2 612 nbsp Scarlets 3 1 0 2 59 140 81 8 20 1 0 513 nbsp Zebre Parma 3 0 0 3 96 128 32 15 18 3 2 514 nbsp Lions 3 0 0 3 59 67 8 7 8 1 3 415 nbsp Dragons 3 0 0 3 40 83 43 4 9 0 2 216 nbsp Sharks 3 0 0 3 39 87 48 5 13 0 0 0If teams are level at any stage tiebreakers are applied in the following order 46 number of matches won the difference between points for and points against the number of tries scored the most points scored the difference between tries for and tries against the fewest red cards received the fewest yellow cards received Green background indicates teams that are play off places and earn a place in the 2024 25 European Champions CupPlain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2024 25 European Challenge Cup Q qualified for play offs H home field advantage secured for quarter and semi final h home field advantage secured for quarter final X cannot reach play offs E qualified for Champions Cup Current squad editFor player movements before or during the 2023 24 season see List of 2023 24 United Rugby Championship transfers Ospreys Ospreys United Rugby Championship squad a Props nbsp Tom Botha nbsp Ellis Fackrell nbsp Rhys Henry nbsp Cameron Jones nbsp James Kenny L nbsp Garyn Phillips nbsp Nicky Smith nbsp Gareth Thomas nbsp Ben WarrenHookers nbsp Dewi Lake nbsp Ethan Lewis nbsp Lewis Lloyd nbsp Sam Parry nbsp Marnus van der Merwe LLocks nbsp Alex Ashton nbsp Adam Beard nbsp Rhys Davies nbsp Liam Edwards nbsp James Fender nbsp Lewis Jones nbsp Jack Regan nbsp Huw Sutton Back row nbsp Tristan Davies nbsp Harri Deaves nbsp Will Griffiths nbsp Will Hickey nbsp Jac Morgan nbsp Morgan Morris nbsp Morgan Morse nbsp James Ratti nbsp Justin Tipuric c Scrum halves nbsp Luke Davies nbsp Cameron Jones nbsp Rewan Kruger L nbsp Reuben Morgan WilliamsFly halves nbsp Dan Edwards nbsp Luke Scully nbsp Jack Walsh nbsp Owen Williams Centres nbsp Tom Florence nbsp George North nbsp Dom Morris L nbsp Owen Watkin nbsp Keiran WilliamsWings nbsp Alex Cuthbert nbsp Toby Fricker nbsp Keelan Giles nbsp Harri Houston nbsp Daniel Kasende L nbsp Luke Morgan nbsp Max NagyFullbacks nbsp Iestyn Hopkins nbsp Mat Protheroe c denotes the team captain Bold denotes internationally capped players denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality ST denotes players signed on a short term basis L denotes a player on loan at the club Players and their allocated positions from the Ospreys website 47 Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023 24 season as listed on List of 2023 24 United Rugby Championship transfers Development Squad edit Ospreys Development squad a Props nbsp Alex George nbsp Kian Hire nbsp Dylan James nbsp Lewis SullivanHookers nbsp Finley ThomasLocks nbsp Finley Evans nbsp Evan Hill Back row nbsp Cerith Davies nbsp Kyle Harris nbsp Oliver Jones nbsp Seb Rodriguez DaviesScrum halves nbsp Rhodri Lewis nbsp Brychan WoodFly halves nbsp Luke Davies Centres nbsp Sam MatthewsWings nbsp Josh Carrington nbsp Rhydian GreenhallFullbacks nbsp Ben Evans nbsp Cori Lewis Jenkins c denotes the team captain Bold denotes internationally capped players denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality Players and their allocated positions from the Ospreys website 48 Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023 24 season as listed on List of 2023 24 United Rugby Championship transfers Management amp Coaching staff editManagement Position Name NationalityOwner James Davies Yandle nbsp WalesCEO VacantDirector Roger Blyth nbsp WalesCorporate Brand Director VacantCoaching Position Name NationalityRugby General Manager Dan Griffiths nbsp WalesDevelopment Director Mike Ruddock nbsp WalesPerformance Director Corin Palmer nbsp EnglandDevelopment Pathway Manager Gareth Walters nbsp WalesHead Coach Toby Booth nbsp EnglandFirst Team Coach Duncan Jones nbsp WalesDefense Coach Mark Jones nbsp WalesSkills coach Richard Fussell nbsp WalesAcademy Skills coach Andrew Bishop nbsp WalesAcademy Skills coach James Hook nbsp WalesTeam Logistics Manager Dai Davies nbsp WalesHead of Physical Performance Simon Church nbsp WalesLead Strength amp Conditioning Coach Alex Lawson nbsp WalesStrength amp Conditioning Coach Josh Robinson nbsp WalesStrength amp Conditioning Coach Liam Thomas nbsp WalesMedical Performance Manager Chris Towers nbsp WalesPhysiotherapist Matthew Bowen nbsp WalesPhysiotherapist Gavin Daglish nbsp WalesLead Doctor Simon Davies nbsp WalesHead Analyst Aled Griffiths nbsp WalesAnalyst Dan Hiscocks nbsp WalesAnalyst Callum Nibblet nbsp WalesKit Custodian Shaun McAuliffe nbsp WalesAdmin Assistant Travel Coordinator Lyn Jones nbsp WalesSports Psychologist Steve Mellalieu nbsp WalesGraduate Sports Therapist Dan Maru nbsp WalesNotable players amp coaches editSee also Category Ospreys rugby union players Welsh Internationals edit The following players have represented Wales internationally and represented the Ospreys 49 Cory Allen 2013 2017 Gareth Anscombe 2015 Dan Baker 2013 2015 Scott Baldwin 2013 2023 James Bater 2003 Adam Beard 2017 Ashley Beck 2012 2013 Huw Bennett 2003 2012 Ryan Bevington 2011 2014 Dan Biggar 2008 Andrew Bishop 2008 2012 Aled Brew 2007 2012 Lee Byrne 2005 2011 Brent Cockbain 2003 2007 Sam Cross 2017 Alex Cuthbert 2011 Aled Davies 2017 2019 Barry Davies 2006 Bradley Davies 2009 2019 Leigh Davies 1996 2003 Mefin Davies 2002 2007 Rhys Davies 2023 Sam Davies 2016 2017 Gareth Delve 2006 2010 Adrian Durston 2001 Cai Evans 2023 Dan Evans 2009 Ian Evans 2006 2014 Tomas Francis 2015 Scott Gibbs 1991 2001 Ian Gough 1998 2010 Joe Hawkins 2022 Gavin Henson 2001 2011 Richard Hibbard 2006 2015 James Hook 2006 2015 Dafydd Howells 2013 Paul James 2003 2016 Aaron Jarvis 2012 2016 Adam Jones 2003 2014 Alun Wyn Jones 2006 2023 Duncan Jones 2001 2009 Matt Jones 2005 Rhodri Jones 2012 Ryan Jones 2004 2013 James King 2013 2017 Tavis Knoyle 2010 2013 Dewi Lake 2022 Gareth Llewellyn 1989 2004 Andy Lloyd 2001 Dan Lydiate 2009 Rob McCusker 2010 2013 Craig Mitchell 2009 2013 Jac Morgan 2022 Luke Morgan 2018 Matthew Morgan 2014 2015 George North 2010 Sonny Parker 2002 2008 Sam Parry 2020 Mike Phillips 2003 2015 Tom Prydie 2010 2018 Richie Pugh 2005 Richie Rees 2010 Martin Roberts 2008 2009 Tal Selley 2005 Nicky Smith 2014 Jonathan Spratt 2009 2013 Mark Taylor 1994 2005 Gareth Thomas 2021 Gavin Thomas 2001 2010 Jonathan Thomas 2003 2011 Rory Thornton 2017 Justin Tipuric 2011 2023 Eli Walker 2015 Owen Watkin 2017 Rhys Webb 2012 2023 Andy Williams 2003 2007 Barry Williams 1996 2002 Owen Williams 2017 Keiran Williams 2023 Scott Williams 2011 2019 Shane Williams 2000 2011 British amp Irish Lions edit The following players were selected for the British amp Irish Lions touring squads while contracted to the Ospreys 50 Brent Cockbain 2005 Gavin Henson 2005 Ryan Jones 2005 2009 Shane Williams 2005 2009 Tommy Bowe 2009 Lee Byrne 2009 Adam Jones 2009 2013 Alun Wyn Jones 2009 2013 2017 2021 Mike Phillips 2009 James Hook 2009 Richard Hibbard 2013 Ian Evans 2013 Justin Tipuric 2013 2017 2021 Dan Biggar 2017 Rhys Webb 2017 Adam Beard 2021Centurions edit Players who have reached the 100 appearance mark for the Ospreys The first numbers in brackets are the years they represented the Ospreys while the second numbers in bold are the number of caps they received Caps updated on 3 November 2023 51 Lloyd Ashley 2011 2022 153 Scott Baldwin 2008 2019 2022 2023 182 Adam Beard 2014 116 Joe Bearman 2011 2017 101 Ashley Beck 2007 2018 137 Huw Bennett 2003 2012 142 Ryan Bevington 2007 2016 112 Dan Biggar 2008 2018 221 Andrew Bishop 2005 2015 209 Tom Botha 2018 104 Shaun Connor 2003 2008 101 Olly Cracknell 2015 2021 117 Sam Davies 2012 2019 150 Hanno Dirksen 2009 2021 154 Dan Evans 2014 2022 173 Ian Evans 2005 2014 129 Maʻafu Fia 2015 2021 105 Richard Fussell 2010 2016 113 Ian Gough 2007 2014 119 Cai Griffiths 2003 2012 2014 2015 132 Tom Habberfield 2011 2019 135 Richard Hibbard 2004 2014 175 James Hook 2004 2012 2017 2020 149 Paul James 2003 2012 2015 2018 232 Adam Jones 2003 2014 195 Alun Wyn Jones 2005 2023 268 Duncan Jones 2003 2015 223 Ryan Jones 2004 2014 150 James King 2009 2020 203 Scott Otten 2014 2021 110 Sonny Parker 2004 2012 157 Sam Parry 2014 138 Nicky Smith 2013 174 Jonathan Spratt 2006 2010 2012 2017 102 Steve Tandy 2003 2010 102 Gareth Thomas 2014 111 Jonathan Thomas 2003 2013 188 Justin Tipuric 2009 201 Nikki Walker 2006 2012 103 Rhys Webb 2007 2018 2020 2023 200 Barry Williams 2003 2007 101 Shane Williams 2003 2012 141 Notable non Welsh internationals edit Notable non Welsh players who have international caps with a Tier One or Two nation and represented the Ospreys 49 nbsp Tyler Ardron nbsp Jeff Hassler nbsp Phil Mack nbsp Chauncey O Toole nbsp Luke Tait nbsp Stephen Myler nbsp Sam Underhill nbsp Tevita Cavubati nbsp Josh Matavesi nbsp Alfie Mocelutu nbsp Aisea Natoga nbsp Giorgi Nemsadze nbsp Tito Tebaldi nbsp Tommy Bowe nbsp Lesley Klim nbsp Adrian Cashmore nbsp Jerry Collins nbsp Marty Holah nbsp Campbell Johnstone nbsp Brendon Leonard nbsp Justin Marshall nbsp Filo Tiatia nbsp Gheorghe Gajion nbsp Kieron Fonotia nbsp Kahn Fotuali i nbsp Jordan Lay nbsp Filipo Levi nbsp Elvis Seveali i nbsp George Stowers nbsp Darryl Marfo nbsp Nikki Walker nbsp JJ Engelbrecht nbsp Ricky Januarie nbsp Brian Mujati nbsp Marvin Orie nbsp Stefan Terblanche nbsp Maʻafu Fia nbsp Elvis Taione nbsp Dave Tiueti nbsp Hale T Pole Former Coaches edit Lyn Jones 2003 2008 Sean Holley 2008 2012 Steve Tandy 2012 2018 Allen Clarke 2018 2019 Carl Hogg amp Matt Sherratt interim 2019 2020 Honours editCeltic League Pro12 United Rugby Championship Winners 2004 05 2006 07 2009 10 2011 12 Welsh Shield Winners 2021 22 Anglo Welsh Cup Winners 2007 08 Runners up 2006 07ERC Elite Awards editDuring the 10th anniversary season of the Heineken Cup ERC the tournament organisers introduced the ERC Elite Awards to recognise players and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the tournament Ospreys were awarded the ERC team award for playing 50 games 52 Ospreys players who have been awarded 50 tournament caps are 53 Ian Gough Adam Jones Duncan Jones Shane Williams Jonathan Thomas Sonny ParkerSee also editPro14 Anglo Welsh Cup Heineken Cup European Challenge CupFootnotes edit a b Rugby News www walesonline co uk accessed 22 October 2020 Ospreys in name change IN A bold move the Neath Swansea Ospreys will be known as just The Ospreys from next season 14 May 2005 www walesonline co uk accessed 22 October 2020 Updated 9 58am 2 November 2012 28 October 2006 Rugby puts Ospreylia on the map Rugby Columnists Rugby WalesOnline Retrieved 2 November 2012 Ospreys 24 16 Australia BBC News 1 November 2006 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Ospreys set to soar BBC News 24 July 2003 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Administrator Sotic 2 September 2003 News Who Are The Ospreys Ulster Rugby Archived from the original on 5 February 2013 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Ospreys soar on debut BBC News 5 September 2003 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Redirecting Archived from the original on 7 April 2014 Retrieved 12 July 2012 Sport 1 February 2004 Heineken Cup Round up The Telegraph London Archived from the original on 13 May 2014 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Match Centre Ospreys Have The Last Laugh RaboDirectPRO12 Archived from the original on 14 July 2020 Retrieved 2 November 2012 WRU axe falls on Warriors BBC News 1 June 2004 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Regions call to ex Warriors BBC News 7 July 2004 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Ospreys shun Brewery Field BBC News 3 August 2004 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Ospreys 29 12 Edinburgh BBC News 26 March 2005 Retrieved 2 November 2012 ERC Match Centre Heineken Cup Ospreys Take Points After Tense Thriller Ercrugby com Archived from the original on 23 January 2013 Retrieved 2 November 2012 ERC Match Centre Heineken Cup Tigers Snatch Late Victory Ercrugby com 7 February 2006 Retrieved 2 November 2012 permanent dead link Wallabies to face Ospreys Sky Sports Retrieved 16 August 2006 permanent dead link Rugby puts Ospreylia on the map WalesOnline 28 October 2006 Ordnance Survey maps out special edition for Ospreylia WalesOnline 27 October 2006 Amazon found in the continent called Ospreylia WalesOnline 17 April 2006 Probably the best region in the World Peter Black AM Retrieved 6 September 2007 a b GMT 26 April 2011 BBC Sport New role for Andrew Hore at the Ospreys Bbc co uk Retrieved 2 November 2012 Celtic League Jones leaves Ospreys Yahoo Sport UK amp Ireland 16 May 2008 Retrieved 16 May 2008 dead link Club 10 May 2009 Jerry Collins signs for Ospreys The Telegraph London Archived from the original on 12 January 2022 Retrieved 2 November 2012 BBC Sport Rugby Union Biarritz 29 28 Ospreys BBC News 10 April 2010 Retrieved 2 November 2012 Petrie Richard 29 May 2010 Leinster 12 17 Ospreys BBC Sport Retrieved 31 May 2010 Match Centre Munster set up Limerick showdown with Leinster RaboDirectPRO12 14 May 2011 Archived from the original on 14 July 2020 Retrieved 2 November 2012 GMT 15 February 2012 Steve Tandy replaces Sean Holley as Ospreys coach Bbc co uk Retrieved 2 November 2012 RaboDirect Pro12 Final Leinster 30 31 Ospreys www bbc co uk accessed 22 October 2020 Ospreys part with head coach Tandy BBC Sport Retrieved 15 November 2022 Ospreys name Clarke as permanent coach BBC Sport Retrieved 15 November 2022 Blues coach Sherratt to replace Rees BBC Sport Retrieved 15 November 2022 Wales Biggar to join Northampton in 2018 BBC Sport Retrieved 15 November 2022 Wales international Paul James retires BBC Sport Retrieved 15 November 2022 George North to Ospreys confirmed PlanetRugby 25 April 2018 Retrieved 15 November 2022 Wales star Williams signs for Ospreys Ospreys www ospreysrugby com Retrieved 15 November 2022 Wales scrum half signs for Ospreys Ospreys www ospreysrugby com Retrieved 15 November 2022 Ospreys beat Scarlets to Champions Cup spot in playoff 18 May 2019 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a Cite journal requires journal help Pro14 restart 2019 20 season resumes with derby weekends BBC co uk BBC Sport 22 July 2020 Retrieved 13 August 2020 Guinness PRO14 to Conclude in March Ahead of Rainbow Cup with South Africa s Super Teams www pro14 rugby Retrieved 24 December 2020 Revised EPCR tournament formats for 2020 21 season announced European Professional Club Rugby 24 February 2021 Retrieved 24 February 2021 Ospreys 24 16 Australia BBC Sport 1 November 2006 Ospreys 50 24 Scarlets BBC Sport 26 December 2006 Kristian Phillips inspires Ospreys to victory over Leicester Tigers The Guardian London 12 November 2010 Ospreys announce kit partnership with Umbro Ospreys www ospreysrugby com Retrieved 10 August 2021 League Format 3 Competition Rules United Rugby Championship Retrieved 23 October 2023 Ospreys Squad Ospreys Retrieved 24 July 2023 Academy Squad Ospreys Retrieved 9 December 2020 a b International Players Ospreys Retrieved 9 October 2021 Lions Players Ospreys Retrieved 9 October 2021 Player Records Ospreys Retrieved 9 October 2021 ERC Elite Awards Team Awards Archived from the original on 4 August 2012 Retrieved 4 January 2013 ERC Elite Awards 50 Tournament Caps Archived from the original on 4 August 2012 Retrieved 4 January 2013 External links editOfficial website Ospreys on itsrugby co uk Aberavon RFC official site Bridgend RFC official site Neath RFC official site Swansea RFC official site Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ospreys rugby union amp oldid 1184170402, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.