Mastodawn

Wales international Rogers signs for Ospreys

The 27-year-old has spent the last nine years at Parc y Scarlets after making his senior debut for the west Wallians in 2017.

Having played 88 times for Scarlets as well as winning 13 caps for Wales, including scoring a memorable hat-trick against New Zealand last November, luring Rogers to sign from their rivals will be seen as somewhat of a coup for the Ospreys in an unsettled period of time.

Rogers spoke about the influence Ospreys boss Mark Jones, a former Wales wing himself, brought to help switch to Scarlets bitter rivals.

“I spoke to Mark and a few of the boys about the Ospreys and that played a big role in making the decision to move,” said Rogers.

“The Ospreys have had a lot of success over the years, and I’m really looking forward to testing myself in a different environment.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Scarlets fans for their support during my time at the club, it has always meant a lot to me.”

Scarlets confirmed they tried to keep the Carmarthen-born player at the Llanelli club.Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies said:

“We are obviously disappointed to see him move on. There was a contract offer for him to stay with us and continue his career with Scarlets, but we understand his decision to look for a new challenge.”

Ospreys head coach Jones has admitted that recruitment for next season has been difficult with the region braced to lose Wales pair Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, but insisted signing of Rogers, who can play across the back three positions, was a statement of intent for the club’s future.

“To secure a player of Tom’s ability is nothing short of a coup and a sign of the project we are building here at the club,” said Jones.

“Tom is an excellent, international talent that will add to our already exceptional core of back-three players.

“He’s a bit of a Swiss Army knife in the fact he is equally adept at full-back and wing, and we have no doubt that he will hit the ground running when he comes in next season.

“A big part of our recruitment strategy this season was to secure our young homegrown talent but it was also important to add quality [and] the addition of Tom definitely fits that bill.”

Despite the loss of a promising Wales international, Davies said he remains positive about the current project to rebuild a Scarlets squad who have struggled in URC this season.

“Our focus now is very clear. We are building a squad that is aligned, competitive and capable of driving this club forward,” Davies said.

“We have real strength and depth developing across the back three, with a group that combines international quality with exciting young talent coming through our pathway. That gives us a strong platform to build from.

“There is real momentum building here and we are excited about what lies ahead.”

[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]

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Johnny J. Blair Feb 14

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Editor Jan 21

Ospreys coach says CEO meeting offered ‘little clarity’ with players left ‘frustrated, confused and fearful’

The region was already dealing with the fallout of a narrow European defeat to Montpellier when late‑night reports emerged that the WRU had granted exclusivity to a preferred bidder for Cardiff — later reported to be Y11, the Ospreys’ majority owners. Under WRU rules, no organisation can own more than one professional team, leaving players and staff deeply unsettled about what the move could mean for them.

Jones said the squad only learned of the development through leaks and news articles, with some players hearing the speculation from partners and family members before any internal briefing.

Players blindsided as training scrapped for emergency meeting

Jones confirmed that Tuesday’s planned training session was abandoned so the squad could address the situation, with Bradley attempting to brief players and staff.

Mark Jones, Ospreys head coach, said the meeting raised more questions than answers.

“We didn’t get anywhere near the amount of clarity everybody was looking for. It was a news article that broke, so it was all speculation. Lance tried to give as much information as he could, but we’re still a little way away from getting the full picture.”

He said emotions in the room ranged widely.

“There was frustration, confusion, probably a bit of fear as well around the unknown. If you don’t know what’s going on, it can create a lot of anxiety.”

Jones confirmed that “one or two players” left the meeting early, describing it as a natural reaction from individuals who “just wanted their own space”.

‘We heard it second‑hand — sometimes through my children’

Jones said the most difficult part was that the squad learned of the situation through leaks rather than internal communication.

Mark Jones, said:

“Where this has been very difficult is the leaks that have happened before our people and our family have been told what’s coming out. We’re hearing it second‑hand and sometimes through my children or my partner.”

He revealed he first heard about the speculation when his wife sent him screenshots of an article late at night.

‘Is it a betrayal? We don’t know what buying Cardiff means’

Asked whether the squad felt betrayed by Y11, Jones said it was impossible to judge without knowing the owners’ intentions — or what their Cardiff bid would mean for the Ospreys.

“It just depends what it looks like. What does buying Cardiff mean? That’s the crucial bit. Then you can decide whether it’s a betrayal or not.”

He said the only firm information given to players is that jobs are secure for the next 18 months under the current funding agreement.

Disruption hits preparations for Lions clash

Jones admitted the timing is “not helpful at all” ahead of Friday night’s match against the Lions, with the squad losing a full day of on‑field preparation.

But he praised the players’ response.

“The way the boys have come in today, the energy they’ve brought… the field session we’ve done off the back of that has been pretty good.”

‘Professional rugby in this area is massive’

Jones said he could not imagine the region without a professional side.

“I’ve lived in the area 16 or 17 years. My sons both played junior sport here. They love the Ospreys. It’s awesome to have a team like the Ospreys as a figurehead for young players.”

He added that the region “has to play a part in Welsh rugby moving forwards”.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Ospreys crisis deepens as MPs summon WRU chiefs and players accuse owners of ‘cowardly’ leadership
MPs demand answers as players accuse Y11 of failing to communicate during growing uncertainty.

Swansea Council leader says legal options being examined as uncertainty over Ospreys intensifies
Swansea Council confirms legal advice is being sought as fears grow over the region’s future.

Future of Ospreys under threat as club owner believed to be WRU’s preferred bidder for Cardiff
Reports suggest Y11 have been granted exclusivity to pursue a Cardiff takeover, raising major questions for the Ospreys.

#LanceBradley #MarkJones #Ospreys #Rugby #WRU #Y11