| leenat |
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| Joined: 09 Oct 2005 |
| Posts: 242 |
| Location: Kenfig Hill or where-ever the Bridge is playing |
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| Quote: | The Ospreys will play as many as 10 development games next season in a move approved by the Welsh Rugby Union.
The move is designed to bridge the gap between the region's academy and top-flight domestic and cross-border rugby.
Ospreys director of rugby Kevin Hopkins said: "We see these type of fixtures being crucial to our plans.
"They will provide regular rugby for squad players and the young talent from the academy."
Hopkins added: "The matches will also give an opportunity for players to step up from the Premiership in a controlled environment, where individual performances are what matters most and where league position or cup survival aren't at stake
"We experimented with such a set-up towards the end of the 2006/7 season with two friendlies against Newport Gwent Dragons and Worcester.
"The games were a huge success in terms of the development of young players, and also, in creating strong links across the region with the clubs that hosted the fixtures.
"We are in the process of speaking to other clubs and regions with a view to putting together a fixture list for an Ospreys Development side that will allow the coaches regular opportunities to bring these players together for meaningful fixtures.
"This will allow supporters to keep an eye on the next generation of talent as they take the next step towards becoming fully fledged Ospreys." |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/r...union/my_club/ospreys/7397486.stm
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