Ospreys to honour latest centurions

The two newest Ospreys centurions, Joe Bearman and Jonathan Spratt, will be honoured in the traditional way with a special presentation before kick-off in the Munster match on Saturday afternoon.

The duo both clocked up their 100th appearance in the Anglo-Welsh Cup win over Wasps in Coventry two weeks ago. Their joint achievement will be recognised at the home of the Ospreys, the Liberty Stadium, when Chairman, Roger Blyth, presents them with special framed shirts shortly before the top of the table PRO12 clash, the first home game since they reached a century.

Capped by Wales at age-grade level, Spratt came through the development pathway at the Ospreys, via Neath Athletic and then the Welsh Premiership with Neath, before securing his first regional contract in 2007 - after making his debut as a second half replacement against Munster in Thomond Park during the 06/07 season.

Having impressed during a loan spell with Air New Zealand Cup outfit Taranaki in the summer of 2008, Spratt gained the first of his four Wales caps the following year, against Canada in Toronto. After 23 regional appearances, he spent 2011/12 with London Irish in the Aviva Premiership, playing 11 times for the Exiles, before returning to his home region a year later, since when he has played a further 78 times. He has captained the region on 12 occasions to date, a total bettered by only eight players.

Meanwhile, Newquay born Bearman reached the special landmark six years after moving to the Liberty Stadium from Newport Gwent Dragons where he had spent five seasons having previously played for Cornish Pirates.

The evergreen back-rower made his debut for the region coming off the bench in a 32-14 win over Ulster in September 2011, with his first start two weeks later as the Ospreys defeated Munster 17-13.

At the end of his first season he helped the Ospreys to a fourth Celtic League title on a dramatic and historic afternoon in Dublin in late May, when Leinster were defeated 31-20 at the RDS. A consistent performer and influential member of the squad, Bearman continues to roll back the years with some eye-catching performances this season.

Ospreys supporters are invited to join us in recognising the achievement of two great Ospreys at 5.05pm on Saturday afternoon.