Wales prop Nicky Smith is very much a man in demand with top English clubs Bristol Bears and Saracens interested in acquiring his services.
Smith has been a revelation for the Ospreys over the past couple of seasons, and it is no stretch to say he is currently among the best scrummaging looseheads in the northern hemisphere.
The likes of former All Blacks tighthead Karl Tu'inukuafe, France international Mohamed Haouas, veteran England and Lions man Dan Cole and Michael Ala'alatoa have all tried to get the better of the Ospreys man at scrum time this season but each one got sent packing.
Considering his consistent performances, Smith's lack of opportunities for Wales over the past few seasons is a bigger mystery than what happened on the Mary Celeste. Yes, he has won 42 caps for his country but he has never been afforded the opportunity of a consistent run of games in the red number one jersey.
As has already been pointed out, his scrummaging ability is not in doubt but he has got a lot more in his armoury.
During the Ospreys' brave Champions Cup defeat at Saracens, he was a menace at the breakdown while his explosive ball-carrying was also evident, with one 40-metre break really catching the eye.
The 29-year-old is cut from a similar cloth as former world class France prop Thomas Domingo, whose short squad frame allowed him to get underneath bigger tightheads in the scrum, allowing him to cause havoc.
Given Wales' struggles up-front during the Six Nations, his omission from Warren Gatland's squad was a bit of a head scratcher, and he must at the very least be an inclusion in the extended pre-World Cup squad for training camps in Switzerland and Turkey.
But his qualities have not gone unnoticed over the River Severn, with a host of English clubs having been interested in capturing his signature over the past few months including Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs, with Bristol and Saracens now joining the queue.
Given the pay cuts which are set to come into play in Wales next season, and the fact regional playing budgets are about to be lowered, the Ospreys are really up against it with regards extending Smith's contract.
He has 42 caps to his name which means he would remain eligible to Wales selection should he opt to move to the Gallagher Premiership.
Nobody could blame him if he decided to leave Wales at the end of the season, and whatever club is lucky enough to sign the Swansea man will be adding a serious asset to their squad.
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