Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett has confirmed that he is leaving the Liberty Stadium at the end of the season after agreeing a deal with T14 side Lyon.
28-year old Bennett, who is out of contract at the end of the current season, announced his move on Monday morning, and will link up with former Osprey Ricky Januarie at the French club.
One of the Ospreys ‘originals’, Bennett has made 142 appearances for the region to date, scoring eight tries, having made his debut in a 36-25 defeat against Leinster at the Gnoll in November 2003.
Bennett also has 51 Wales caps, becoming only the second Welsh hooker to reach a half century earlier this month, in the Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin.
Confirming his move, Bennett commented:
“I want to thank the Ospreys and our awesome supporters for a fantastic nine years. I’ve been there from its inception and the region will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I’m looking forward to my new challenge of playing in France with Lyon. Until then I am fully committed to ending the season on a high and with some silverware for Ospreylia.”