Ospreys Snap Up Justin Marshall

We can today (25th April) confirm that former Canterbury Crusaders and 81 test cap New Zealand All Blacks Scrum Half Justin Marshall has joined the Ospreys on a two year contract

Justin is aged 32 years, stands at 1.80m and weighs 88kg

Comment from Justin Marshall:

"The Ospreys are a team that are going places and I have been very impressed with their professionalism on and off the pitch. They have a magnificent stadium, some of the best training facilities I've seen and a squad that I believe can compete with the best in Europe. I have recently visited South Wales with my wife and we are both looking forward to bringing our young family down to settle in the area. I was approached by clubs from England and France but I have been motivated by the Region's ambitions, once I had spoken to the Ospreys and seen the area and set up with my own eyes, it was a simple decision in the end. I have enjoyed my experience at Leeds immensely this year and I would like to thank the players, coaches and supporters for the way in which they have welcomed me and supported me throughout the season. I sincerely wish them a swift return to the Guinness Premiership next season. I am a very ambitious, competitive individual and I look forward to furthering my ambitions with the Ospreys"

Comment from Managing Director, Mike Cuddy:

"We are delighted to have secured Justins signature as this is a massive signing for the Ospreys. It is important each year to improve the overall quality of the squad and to have secured a player of Justins quality is testament to the progress we have made since our formation barely three years ago. Only 12 months ago Justin was one of the outstanding All Blacks in their convincing series win over the Lions, and it is great news for players and supporters that he will soon be part our squad"

Comment from Regional Rugby Manager, Derwyn Jones:

"We are carefully targetting key players, but we will only confirm signings as and when the time is right for us. There is a tremendous team spirit within the squad and we are mindful not to disrupt the progress we have made over recent months. However, with the massive media interest that signing a player of Justins stature naturally brings, this announcement is unavoidable. There was significant interest in securing Justins services from top European sides, and it speaks volumes for us that he will be wearing an Ospreys shirt next season. Further signings will be confirmed as and when appropriate over the next few months"

Remaining 2005/ 2006 season Fixtures

Leinster v Ospreys - Venue to be confirmed - Saturday 29th April - kick off at 7.35pm

Ospreys v Munster - Liberty Stadium - Friday 5th May - kick off at 7.10pm

Connacht v Ospreys - Sportsground - Friday 12th May - kick off at 6.30pm

Ospreys v Ulster (home) - 26/ 27/ 28 May - Venue and kick off time still to be confirmed