Tom Cowan-Dickie, brother of England international Luke, has joined the Ospreys as injury cover for hookers Dewi Lake and Sam Parry.
Wales international Lake suffered a knee injury against Leicester Tigers on Friday night, just days after being named in Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad. Wales are now waiting on an injury update for the 23-year-old, but are expecting him to miss some, if not all, of the tournament. Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin has been outlined as his Wales replacement.
Parry has also been struggling with a shoulder injury, leaving Toby Booth's options at hooker pretty low. As such, Cowan-Dickie, who left Leicester at the end of December, has been signed on a short-term deal.
“With the recent injuries to Sam and Dewi, Tom will provide us with important depth at the hooker position," said Booth. “Alongside ability, Tom comes with a wealth of experience that will be invaluable to the younger players in our squad, especially in a time when we have 14 players away on Wales duty.”
A product of the Exeter Chiefs academy, Cowan-Dickie has also represented England U19s, Cornish Pirates and England Counties during his career. He joined Leicester in September 2021, making 10 appearances for the club, including six Premiership appearances on their way to the title last season.
“After speaking with the coach, I knew the opportunity to join the Ospreys was too good to miss," said Cowan-Dickie. “The Ospreys’ rich history, coupled with their quality performances in the Heineken Champions Cup this year, played a key part in making my decision to come here.”
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