Nicky Smith has explained why he has rejected the advances of would-be English suitors and signed a new deal to stay in Welsh rugby.
The newly recalled Wales squad member has been linked to more than half the clubs in the Gallagher Premiership at various points, with reports suggesting Saracens, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Gloucester, Bath and Northampton were all interested in acquiring his services.
But Smith has handed the Welsh game a major boost by opting to continue to play his rugby this side of the River Severn, with the in-demand prop signing a contract extension with the Ospreys.
Read more: 'Unsustainable!' Welsh rugby club hit out after playing 'just one home league game since October'
The Waunarlwydd RFC product has made the call because home is where the heart is.
Smith, who has captained the Ospreys this season and is up to 174 appearances for them, said: “This is my home region.
“I’ve been at the Ospreys since I was a teenager and it’s where I’ve played all my professional career so far.
“I want to play a significant role in helping the region to achieve its goals and make our supporters proud. We’ve got a great group of boys here and the coaches are all pushing us to be the best team we can be.”
Retaining the 42-cap prop who was included in Wales’ provisional World Cup training squad this week is another statement of intent from the Ospreys.
They may have lost Joe Hawkins and Ethan Roots to Exeter, but they have nailed down Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake, Keiran Williams, Morgan Morris, Owen Williams and now Smith on fresh terms.
The south-west Wales region led the United Rugby Championship in terms of scrum penalties won this season with Smith a major part of their set-piece game, with Smith using his compact game to generate significant scrummaging power. The multi-dimensional loose-head is also a force over the ball, carries and racks up significant tackle counts.
He is also a leader at the region and the Ospreys are more than pleased that he is staying, seeing the 29-year-old as a man who makes a difference.
“We were delighted to get this one over the line,” said head coach Toby Booth.
“It’s important to us that we retain our best homegrown talent and Nicky signing is further evidence of that.
“He has been one of our key leaders this season and is a crucial component of our pack. Whether it’s in the set-piece or open-play, he’s a difference maker.
“He’s an incredibly dedicated and hardworking player who always puts the team’s goals first. He’s the epitome of professionalism.”
READ NEXT:
The Wales selection absolutely no-one saw coming after he started season in Welsh Premiership
Welsh rugby exiles storm to English Championship title as Cardiff Rugby stalwart leads the way
'Who would you have picked?!' Gatland defends his Lions selection with no Welsh players
The major omissions from Wales' World Cup training squad and why they're out
