Rugby Transfers: Wales international makes decision on future, Edinburgh tie down Scotland ace and Exeter Chiefs conclude recruitment drive
Kieran Hardy (right) and Marshall Sykes (left) feature in the latest round-up of rugby transfers
Wales international Kieran Hardy will remain with the Ospreys despite the club’s uncertain future, Edinburgh tie down Scotland international Marshall Sykes and Exeter Chiefs finish recruitment for next season.
Check out our latest transfer news and rumours update:
Hardy to remain with Ospreys
Wales scrum-half Hardy has committed to the Ospreys, signing a deal with the Swansea-based side for next season despite the ongoing speculation around the future of the club.
The 30-year-old, who boasts 36 Test caps for Wales, joined the Ospreys from Scarlets last season and has since made 30 appearances.
“I’m really happy to be continuing my career with the Ospreys,” Hardy said on his new deal. “There’s a great group of players and staff here, and you can always feel a real sense of togetherness and ambition when you’re around the training facility.
“My focus now is to keep pushing my own standards, helping to drive the team to where we know it can be, and to play my part in making sure we’re competing on all fronts. I’m excited by what lies ahead for us and feel proud to be part of this club.”
Ospreys head coach, Mark Jones, added: “Kieran is a vital asset to our squad, so we’re delighted that he has signed a new deal with the club. His contributions both on and off the field in have been invaluable for us.
“His work ethic and determination are both clear to see every time he steps out onto the pitch, while his skillset and ability to read the game couple to make his quality undeniable.
“We’re blessed with an extremely talented scrum-half group, who all bring different attributes to the table, but each of them share the key characteristics and traits we look for in an Osprey.”
His decision to re-sign with the Ospreys comes amid talk that the club could cease to be a professional outfit in the near future, with the WRU moving to a three-team structure.
At the time of writing, no final decision has been made as to which region will be cut, but it is understood that both the Scarlets and Ospreys will be applying for just one West Wales licence.
Edinburgh tie down Scotland ace Sykes
Scotland lock Sykes will remain in Edinburgh for the foreseeable future, after signing a deal with the club until the end of 2028.
The eight-capped forward has spent the entirety of his career with the capital outfit since his debut in the 2019/20 season, and has since made 93 appearances.
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Commenting on his new deal, Sykes said: “My wife and I are so settled here, so happy in this city, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. This club means everything to me and I want to be the kind of player that Edinburgh fans look back on and say, ‘He was always here, he always put his body on the line for us.’
“I’ve been here in the good times and I’ve been here in the harder times, and if anything that’s made me more determined than ever to help turn things around. Playing under Sean [Everitt] has been great – his ambition for this club is clear and I’m excited about the direction he’s taking us as a squad.
“I want to repay the faith the club has shown in me and I genuinely believe the best is still ahead of us.”
Edinburgh head coach, Sean Everitt, added: “Marshall is one of the most important players in our squad and, honestly, one of the most underrated. Week in, week out, he puts in the kind of shift that wins matches – the tackles, the ruck hits, the set-piece contribution – and he does it with a consistency that is incredibly hard to find.
“At 26 he is just entering his prime as a lock forward, and by committing to Edinburgh for another two years he is putting himself in a real position to push for the international recognition his performances deserve.
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“He gives everything every time he pulls on that jersey, and we are absolutely delighted to have him tied down for another two years.”
Exeter Chiefs finish off recruitment
Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has confirmed his side have finished off their transfer dealings for next season, despite fresh players coming onto the market.
His words come as Moana Pasifika announce their exit from Super Rugby at the end of the season, which has seen a number of their players already become targets for PREM clubs.
But, despite an increase in possible recruits, Baxter feels he is happy with the signatures he has already got.
“We’re pretty much done for next season, to be honest,” Baxter told members of the media.
“We haven’t used any injury dispensation, so there’s a potential to bring players in if we pick up injuries and we’ve got a couple of academy spots to fill; but on the whole we’re done for next season.”
