Saffa powerhouse extends Welsh stay
CONTRACT EXTENSION: A South African prop extended his stay with a Welsh United Rugby Championship side despite uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Despite being touted as the team to be sacked by the Welsh Rugby Union, the Ospreys announced on Wednesday that experienced South African tighthead prop, Tom Botha, had signed a new deal with the club.
Botha has been an ever-present figure in the Ospreys line-up since joining in 2018 and has made 161 appearances for the club.
A long-term cornerstone of the Ospreys’ scrum, Botha has been an integral member of the squad and emerged as a fan favourite, with his experience having a positive influence on the younger front rowers around him.
Speaking on his new deal, Botha said: “Ever since I joined the Ospreys, I have been made to feel welcome; this club has become a second home for me, so I’m happy to be continuing my career here.
“I have had the privilege of playing alongside and learning from some incredible players in my time here.
“I’m now in a position in my career where I can pass on that knowledge to some of the younger boys coming through, whilst still giving my all on the field for this great club.”
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Head coach Mark Jones said: “Tommy has been an incredible servant to the Ospreys and a key factor behind our set-piece success as a team in recent seasons.
“The fact that he has managed to mount up as many appearances as he has speaks volumes about his availability and care for the team.”
“With the specialised nature of the tighthead position and the ever-growing influence of the scrum, the importance of quality in depth on that front is vital.
We’ve got the ideal balance of experience and high-potential players coming through at three, so we’re excited by that department moving forward.”
