Ospreys are set to confirm they have beaten off competition from close on half the clubs in the English Premiership to retain the services of Wales international Nicky Smith.
The battle for the 29-year-old’s signature has been long and hard-fought, with Exeter Chiefs linked to him and Bristol Bears, Saracens, Bath, Northampton and Gloucester also said to have been interested in a player who has 42 Wales caps.
But Smith is expected to this week give his home region a major boost by recommitting. A report in The Rugby Paper suggests that such a deal is already done. WalesOnline understands the news is likely to become official over the coming days.
Retaining him would be some achievement for the Ospreys at a time of huge financial turbulence in Welsh rugby.
While Smith didn’t make Wales’ squad for the Six Nations - many were at a loss to understand why, with the 6ft, 18st 3lb player having an excellent season at regional level- he responded to his exclusion from the national set-up with a series of outstanding performances.
He shone not just with his scrummaging but also with his work around the field in this season’s United Rugby Championship and during the Ospreys’ Heineken Champions Cup campaign.
What's been particularly admirable is that Smith has refused to let his Wales situation affect his regional form, saying earlier this team that he wasn't going to let his performances be defined by national considerations while stressing how much he still wanted to represent his country.
His displays triggered interest over the border but the Ospreys made it a top priority to retain Smith, whose influence is felt to be significant off the field as well as on it. Smith has captained the side and been reminded in no uncertain terms how much his home region value him.
The efforts appear to have paid off with the prop likely to be an important figure in the Ospreys set-up for the coming seasons.
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