Walker extends Ospreys stay

The 23-year-old has been in fine form recently with three tries in his last three games including an eye-catching finish against Clermont at Stade Marcel Michelin.

Having featured in a number of Wales squads, only for injury to prevent him from representing his country at senior level, he finally made his international debut against Ireland in a World Cup warm-up before belatedly making it into the tournament squad as injury cover, albeit without featuring in the competition.

Now back at the region and firing on all cylinders, Walker is delighted to have extended his contract.

"This is the place I've always wanted to be, it's where I played my rugby as a youngster and where I see my future. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster for me these last few months but I'm back playing for the Ospreys and really looking forward to making an impact over the remainder of this season and next year as well now.

"I'm in the right environment to get the best out of me, I'm well looked after here and I feel it's the place I need to be to achieve my ambitions as a player. Things have been going well the last few weeks for the team, and for me personally, and hopefully we can all keep working hard and improving as a group to get to where we need to be this season," Walker said.

Ospreys general manger Andrew Millward expressed his joy in retaining Walker's services.

"This is something that will excite all Ospreys supporters as Eli is a young man who has come through our system and takes enormous pride in representing his home region. He burst onto the scene as a teenager, but like plenty of youngsters in his position has had to deal with fitness issues that have maybe held him back a little.

"He has adjusted his routine and matured, both physically and as a player, and we are seeing the benefits on the field. He had an interesting summer, in and out of the Welsh squad, but the international experience and his senior Wales debut are all pieces in the jigsaw that will help him become the player he has the potential to be.

"He now has the next 18 months to continue working hard, keep developing, and making an impact in the Ospreys shirt, and if he does that then supporters will be able to enjoy seeing him scoring tries for the region for many years to come," Millward stated.

@PRO12rugby