Delve returns home to Wales

 

The experienced loose forward, capped 10 times by Wales, has signed a two-year deal with the region and will report for duty at the Ospreys' Llandarcy training base for pre-season ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

 

Born in Cardiff, 32-year old Delve has spent his entire professional career with clubs outside of Wales, playing Premiership rugby in England and becoming the first Welshman ever to play in Super Rugby – as well as spending 15 months in Japan.

 

A powerful ball carrier renowned for his leadership abilities, Delve will provide increased depth in a key position, particularly with as many as five loose forwards set to feature in the World Cup next season.

 

"I'm really excited about this move” said Delve.

 

"It's a great opportunity for me to play with a quality team that I believe is going places, while I'll be playing in Wales for the first time as a pro.

 

"I've been really impressed by Steve Tandy and Andy Lloyd when we've met and I'm looking forward to helping them to achieve the vision that the Ospreys have.

 

"There's a strong, competitive squad of players at the Ospreys, with some great young players who have real potential alongside some genuine world class individuals.

 

"When you add some of the signings confirmed for next season, experienced people like Paul James and Brendon Leonard coming in, and Joe Bearman resigning, I think it's a great blend.”

 

Having grown up in Cardiff, a scholarship at Colston's Collegiate School in Bristol took him across the Severn Bridge, where he eventually signed his first professional contract with Bath in 2001.

 

He spent six years at the Rec before switching to local rivals Gloucester, regularly captaining the side in his three seasons in cherry and white.

 

He broke new ground when he signed for the newly formed Melbourne Rebels ahead of their inaugural 2011 campaign, becoming the first ever overseas player to captain an Australian Super Rugby side.

 

Having been an influential figure in the Rebels' first three seasons, he left Australia at the end of 2013 to sign for NEC Green Rockets in Japan.