The Ospreys have paid tribute to the latest three members of the squad to reach 50 caps for the region, with Lloyd Ashley and Sam Davies set to hit the landmark a week after Tom Habberfield.
23-year old scrum-half Habberfield made his 50th appearance for the Ospreys in last weekend’s opening day loss to Ulster, almost four years after his regional debut in an LV= Cup defeat to Exeter in October 2011.
The Bridgend Athletic youngster then made his PRO12 debut a couple of months later in a Welsh derby win over the Dragons at Rodney Parade.
He will be joined in the 50 club this week by 24-year old Ashley, another product of the Ath’, who also made his debut in the 2011 LV= Cup game against Exeter.
His first PRO12 appearance came two weeks later, a 17-6 away win against Connacht. Having captained the region and Wales at age-grade level, as well as Bridgend Ravens, he is currently leading the Ospreys in the absence of Alun Wyn Jones.
The third member of the trio is the youngest, 21-year old fly-half Sam Davies. His debut came in the same season as Ashley and Habberfield’s, also in the LV= Cup, away to the Dragons in January 2012, while still only 18-years old.
He made his PRO12 bow off the bench at Thomond Park in a 20-13 loss to Munster. With 260 points to his credit to date, he is seventh in the all-time list for the region.
Reflecting on the achievements of all three players, Andrew Millward, Rugby General Manager, said:
“All three have made a significant contribution to the region in their short careers to date, and it is worth recognising the significant landmark that they are all reaching, or have just reached.
“They are still young men in rugby terms, who can take great pride in joining the 50-cap club alongside some legendary Ospreys.
“As local boys representing their home region they understand what the Ospreys jersey is about, our culture, tradition and history, and are passionate about making this region the best it possibly can be, They are all still learning the game, still developing as players and as people, but if they continue to work hard and pursue excellence can look forward to long and successful Ospreys careers.”