The Ospreys can announce the signing of Wales U20s tighthead prop Ben Warren on a two-year deal.
Warren, 20, is a promising tight-head prop and was named in the Wales U20s Six Nations squad in 2019.
He represented Wales at U16s, U18s, U19s and now U20s, and began his rugby journey with Ystrad Rhondda as a No 8 before moving to the front row.
He played for the Rhondda Schools side before graduating to the Cardiff Blues Academy and will join the Ospreys at the end of the season.
Ben Warren, Wales U20s prop, said:
“Personally, this is the challenge I need, it’s a different environment and something I am really looking forward to.
“I want to improve as a player and I feel I can do that at the Ospreys.
“You can see young players getting an opportunity at the Ospreys under Toby and I know quite a few of the players there who have been given a chance to play in the first team. As a young player, that is just exciting to see.
“It means I will get an opportunity to play and I just want to progress as a player and a person.
“Seeing someone like Tom Francis signing is another reason because I will get the opportunity to watch, train and learn from him. He has been there and done it, and for a young aspiring prop, like myself, he is someone I can’t wait to work closely with and learn from.
“I just want to be a sponge and learn as much as I can and become the player I want to become.”
Toby Booth, Ospreys Head coach, said:
“It is vital we get young players into our talent pool. Ben fits the journey we are on at the Ospreys. We are looking to a build a team for the long term as well as competing consistently now.
“As a former Wales U20s international he undoubtedly has potential and we are excited to develop that.”