The line-up is confirmed for Saturday's LV= Cup game at Sandy Park
The Ospreys team to play Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday 25th January, KO 3.00pm, is as follows:
15 Ross Jones
14 Tom Grabham
13 Jonathan Spratt (Capt)
12 Matthew Jenkins
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Matthew Morgan
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Marc Thomas
2 Matthew Dwyer
3 Dan Suter
4 Lloyd Peers
5 Rhodri Hughes
6 Tyler Ardron
7 Arthur Ellis
8 Morgan Allen
REPLACEMENTS
16 Rhys Hutchinson
17 Nicky Smith
18 Joe Rees
19 Adam Beard
20 Dan Baker
21 Lloyd Evans
22 Luke Price
23 Aisea Natoga
Jonathan Spratt makes his 50th Ospreys appearance
Head Coach Steve Tandy said:
“This is always an exciting period, when we get a good opportunity to take a close look at some of the next generation of Ospreys. These youngsters bring with them a real enthusiasm into the environment and a desire to learn and improve. That rubs off on the more established players, who have a key role to play themselves over the next couple of months, and creates a different kind of dynamic around the place.
“The LV= Cup is a competition that had provided a platform for a number of up and coming players to establish themselves in recent seasons. You’ve got people like Justin Tipuric, James King, Rhys Webb and Hanno Dirksen who have taken the opportunity given to them in the competition and kicked on to really become fully fledged Ospreys. That’s the key message to boys involved over the next couple of weeks. Make us sit up and take notice, really show us what you can do, and who knows what can follow on?
“We’re expecting a tough couple of games, against Exeter on Saturday and then at Bridgend against Sale the following weekend. Both teams will be physical and strong, and will provide a real test for this group. It’ll be a great experience for them and as a coaching group we are really looking forward to seeing how they fare, as the supporters are no doubt.
“It’s a great opportunity to see a team of local youngsters wearing the Ospreys jersey in competitive action, and no doubt there’ll be rugby clubs and communities across the region taking real pride in seeing some of their boys taking the next step along the development pathway.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 31 Jan 7.30pm KO – Ospreys v Sale Sharks – LV= Cup
Fri 7 Feb 7.05pm KO – Ulster v Ospreys – PRO12
14/15/16 TBC – Ospreys v Benetton Treviso – PRO12
Sun 23 Feb 4.00pm KO – Ospreys v Munster – PRO12