The Ospreys are delighted to confirm that tight head prop Aaron Jarvis has signed a new three-year contract.
The 26-year old becomes the 11th player to have committed their future to the region after penning a deal that keeps him at the Liberty Stadium until the summer of 2016.
Jarvis signed for the Ospreys two years ago from Bath, making his Ospreys debut off the bench in a 26-19 win over Edinburgh at the Liberty at the start of last season. His first start for the region came two weeks later, when the Ospreys defeated Ulster 32-14, and he has since established himself as a key member of the squad with 32 appearances to date.
“This is what I really wanted” said Jarvis immediately after signing his new deal.
“I’m happy living in the area, the family have settled down here, and I’ve really developed as a player over the last two seasons since coming here. I’m really, really happy to have signed for another three years.
“I owe a lot to the coaching staff here who have really helped me develop. It’s an excellent environment for front row players to thrive and I’ve benefited from being a part of that. Having a new contract means I can repay them for their faith in me since I came to the Ospreys.”
Although born in Exeter, Jarvis is Welsh qualified through a grandmother from Merthyr, and his impressive regional form saw him selected as part of the Wales squad for last November’s autumn serie. He gained three caps during the series before sustaining a knee ligament injury in the opening minutes of the New Zealand test match, which has ruled him out for the season.
“It’s a shame that I’m not involved in the squad at the moment because of injury but I’m targeting being back for pre-season” Jarvis continued.
“I’m just taking each day as it comes at the moment but if everything continues to go smoothly and well then hopefully I’ll be raring to go again for the start of the new season.”
Andy Lloyd, Ospreys Rugby Operations Manager, said:
“We pride ourselves as a place that develops front five forwards and Aaron is another example of this in practice, making huge strides since first signing two years ago. He’s shown in his time here that he is a quality player of international standard and is a huge asset to us. He’s really developing well and offers a huge amount to the group, on and off the field.
“He’s a good scrumagger and is pretty mobile for a tight-head which allows him to make a real impact in the open as well. He has a great attitude and work ethic, and is constantly striving to improve as a player and a person.
“Securing his services for another three years is excellent news for Ospreys Rugby and means that a key area of our game, the front row, is secured for the future. We’re all looking forward to seeing him back in the shirt next season.”