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These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, April 29
Ospreys fan favourite agrees deal
Veteran prop Tom Botha has signed a new deal with the Ospreys.
The South African tighthead joined the region from the Cheetahs in 2018 and has gone on to make 161 appearances for the club, becoming a cornerstone of the Ospreys’ scrum and securing his status as a fan favourite in the process.
Now, Botha has become the latest player to commit his future to Mark Jones’ side, with the 35-year-old now using his experience to help nurture the young talent coming through at the region.
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“Ever since I joined the Ospreys, I have been made to feel welcome, this club has become a second home for me, so I’m happy to be continuing my career here,” he said as his new deal was confirmed.
“I have had the privilege of playing alongside and learning from some incredible players in my time here.
“I’m now in a position in my career where I can pass on that knowledge to some of the youngers boys coming through, whilst still giving my all on the field for this great club.”
Head coach Jones added: “Tommy has been an incredible servant to the Ospreys and a key factor behind our set-piece success as a team in recent seasons.
“The fact he has managed to mount up as many appearances as he has, it speaks volumes about his availability and care for the team.”
“With the specialised nature of the tighthead position and the ever-growing influence of the scrum, the importance of quality in depth on that front is vital,” the Ospreys boss continued.
“We’ve got the ideal balance of experience and high-potential players coming through at three, so we’re excited by that department moving forward.”
Training incident signalled end for North
George North says it is “the right time to pull the pin” after announcing his retirement from rugby earlier today.
The 121-cap Welsh international confirmed he was hanging up his boots in a video shared on his social media accounts on Wednesday morning, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him win four Six Nations titles – including two Grand Slams – and tour twice with the British & Irish Lions, while scoring 42 caps for Wales.
Having spent the past two seasons in France with Provence, the former Scarlets, Ospreys and Northampton Saints back has admitted that his body needs a rest, deciding to bow out on his own terms at the age of 34.
In an interview with The Telegraph, North revealed that he broke his nose in training with the Pro D2 side last week, with the injury perhaps a sign that it was time for him to call it a day.
“It was in training so it should have been no contact and I ended up taking a shoulder straight to the snoz,” he said. “Mind, body and soul, it is the right time to pull the pin.
“It has been a long old slog and a career I am very proud of. It will be nice to be able to take a deep breath.
“Rugby is a big hamster wheel. Once you are on it, you are on it. I am lucky to be able to make the announcement on my terms because a lot of people don’t get that opportunity. I am at peace with it.”
Asked if he had any regrets, North replied: “I have loved every second of it but I haven’t really appreciated what I have managed to achieve because you are always on to the next thing, next thing, next thing.
“Going around the world and playing in some of the biggest stadiums, it was something I don’t think I would have even dreamed of as a kid.
“Now I feel like an old fart, sitting in the corner of a bar with a curry-stained tie discussing stories of how the game used to be. It is the right time for me now.”
On how he thinks he will be remembered by Wales fans, he added: “I hope they remember me as a guy who gave everything for his country and a guy who never took a backward step.”
Glasgow snap up Kuenzle
By Anthony Brown, Press Association
Utility back Bayley Kuenzle is relishing playing his part in Glasgow’s exciting brand of rugby after agreeing to move to Scotstoun this summer.
The 27-year-old Australian will join Franco Smith’s Warriors on a two-year deal upon expiry of his contract with current club Western Force, where he has been since 2022.
“It’s a massive opportunity for me, and Glasgow is a club that’s been successful which speak volumes on the culture,” Kuenzle told Glasgow’s website.
“A big part of the move was the style of rugby that Glasgow play and the culture around the club. They play an exciting brand of rugby, and you can see how tight the group is. It feels like a place where you can grow as a player and be part of something special.
“I had some really good conversations with the coaching staff, including Franco, and a couple of players as well. Everyone was really positive about the environment and the direction the club is heading in. Those chats definitely gave me a lot of confidence that it was the right move.
“I pride myself on doing the basics well, being consistent, and competing in every moment. I’ll look to bring versatility to the squad, a team-first mindset, and hopefully make a positive impact wherever I’m needed.”
Warriors are working to replenish their squad for next season as they prepare to lose some key players this summer, including Huw Jones, Adam Hastings and Jack Dempsey.
Head coach Smith said: “Bayley is a player that we believe will add to our environment, both on and off the field.
“His versatility will be a real asset to our squad, and he has shown his quality with and without the ball irrespective of the number on his jersey.”
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