Scarlets prop star Thomas set for Ospreys
PROP Steffan Thomas will leave Scarlets at the end of the season to join Ospreys.
Thomas, 26, will join his cousin and fellow loosehead Gareth Thomas at Ospreys, with Garyn Phillips also battling for the number one jersey.
His signing will fill the void left by Wales prop Nicky Smith who joins Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.
Another Scarlets loosehead will also leave, with Wales prop Wyn Jones moving on from Llanelli.
“It’s great to be joining the Ospreys next season,” said Thomas, below. “I know a few of the boys down there, including Gareth, and they’ve all spoken about the positive atmosphere at the club.
“They’ve got quality, experienced internationals in their set-up, but there are also some promising youngsters coming through which bodes well for the future.”
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said: “Steffan has shown a strong competitive edge with a want to fulfil his potential.
“We have a strong emphasis on scrum and lineout and (assistant coach) Duncan Jones will be looking forward to developing him in these areas.”
Jack Walsh, 24, who plays at fly-half and fullback, has signed a new deal to stay at Opsreys. He has scored 131 points in 31 games since joining from Exeter in May 2022.
“I’m enjoying my rugby at the moment, so it’s great to be able to continue my career with the Ospreys,” said Walsh, who was born in Florida and played for Australia U18s.
“There’s a quality bunch of players and coaches at this team, we’re a tight-knit group going well this season with a young squad that has potential.”
Walsh came through the academy at the Waratahs academy and joined Exeter in 2020.