News

Ospreys keep grip of Griffiths

Saturday 30th August 2008

The Ospreys have sealed the immediate future of Cai Griffiths, with the prop signing a new four-year contract at the region.

The 24-year-old Bangor born tighthead, who has been capped at all age levels by Wales, penned the deal that will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2012 just days after centre Andrew Bishop also committed to a long-term contract.

"The Ospreys are the leading region in Welsh rugby, it's a forward thinking and ambitious set-up that clearly has an exciting future and it's fantastic that I'm going to be able to play a part in that over the next four years," Griffiths said.

"There are some outstanding props in the squad, I'm competing with Adam Jones for the shirt and then you've also got Duncan Jones and Paul James as well as some great youngsters coming through.

"It is the kind of environment you want to be involved with, where you are having to work hard and are being tested every day in training."

Meanwhile, Ospreys coach Jonathan Humphreys was pleased to have secured the services of his young prop and pinpointed that time and versatility is on Griffith's side.

"It's good news that Cai has signed a long-term contract, as one of the best young props in the Magners League he has a bright future ahead of him," he said.

"Props traditionally get better with age, so at 24 he is still learning, but he has the right attitude and commitment to hard work to have a real impact.

"His versatility and ability to play on both sides will certainly benefit the squad over the next four years, and I expect to see him contesting the number three shirt with Adam Jones, really pushing him hard for the starting spot."