The Ospreys are delighted to confirm that centre Andrew Bishop has signed a new long-term contract.
The 25-year old has penned a four-year deal, keeping him at the region until the end of the 2013-14 season, a two-year extension on his existing contract.
Llantrisant born Bishop has established himself as a mainstay of the Ospreys squad since making his debut against Borders in February 2005, clocking up 127 appearances in just five and half years, placing him fifth in the region’s all-time appearance list, scoring seven tries.
His consistency in a black shirt has seen him elevated to the national squad in the last two years, making his Wales debut in South Africa during June 2008. In total, he has been capped 11 times to date, the latest cap coming against New Zealand in the first test this summer.
Speaking after signing his contract, Bishop said:
“I was really pleased when the management here approached me to discuss a new contract. To be offered a contract at a club like this at any stage of your career is an honour, and when you see the ambition here and the young talent coming through, it’s pretty much a no-brainer really, the decision is a very straight forward one. I got it signed as soon as I could.
“To get a four year deal is great, it shows that the coaches here rate me as a player and as a person, and it really gives me a lot of confidence to be able push my game on again after the progress I’ve made so far.
“I’m pleased that I’ve been able to achieve everything that I have already, I’m still young with hopefully my best days in front of me, I’m still improving. With a four year contract, I’m happy that it’ll be with the Ospreys.”
Ospreys Head Coach Sean Holley, paid tribute to Bishop, saying his long-term commitment to the region is good news for the Ospreys.
“I’m absolutely delighted” he said.
“It’s no secret that I’ve been a big fan of Andrew’s for a long time. He’s certainly developed over the last few years into a true international class player. He’s a true Osprey, with all the characteristics and values that we look for in a player, and he’s adapted his game to now show that he is an attacking centre who can make breaks, put people into space and show a bit of pace. He has a good passing game as well, all the attributes that a good centre needs.
“He also has versatility in his game, he can play at 12 or 13 and as we all know, has one of the best defensive games around. He helps run our defensive system and I’m just delighted that this news means that he will continue to be associated with this region.
“He epitomises what we want the region to be about and his four year contract is a just reward for the progress he’s made. He is a model for any young player out there who aspires to play international rugby. He’s come up through our system, he’s played age-grade rugby, he’s played in the Premiership, and when his opportunities have come along he’s made sure he’s taken them. Hopefully, he can continue to have the kind of impact he’s had to date over the next four years.”