Prop prospect looking to develop at Ospreys
THE Ospreys have signed Wales U20s international Ben Warren on a two-year deal from Cardiff Blues.
Tighthead prop Warren will link up with Toby Booth’s team at the end of this season.
That will see him working alongside Wales No. 3 Tomas Francis, who is coming on board from Exeter Chiefs.
The 20-year-old, who is 6ft and 18st 7lbs, has represented Wales at U16s, U18s and U19s, as well as U20s level.
With the U20s he shared in the memorable 8-7 victory over New Zealand at the 2019 World Rugby Championship in Argentina.
In all, he made 15 appearances for Wales at that level.
A product of Ystrad Rhondda RFC, Warren started out as a No. 8 before moving to the front row.
After playing for Rhondda Schools, he graduated to the Cardiff Blues Academy, but hasn’t featured for the senior side.
Looking ahead to his move, he said: “Personally, this is the challenge I need, it’s a different environment and something I am really looking forward to.
“I want to improve as a player and I feel I can do that at the Ospreys.
“You can see young players getting an opportunity at the Ospreys under Toby and I know quite a few of the players there who have been given a chance to play in the first team. As a young player, that is just exciting to see.
“It means I will get an opportunity to play and I just want to progress as a player and a person.
“Seeing someone like Tom Francis
signing is another reason because I will get the opportunity to watch, train and learn from him.
“He has been there and done it, and for a young aspiring prop like myself he is someone I can’t wait to work closely with and learn from.
“I just want to be a sponge and learn as much as I can and become the player I want to become.”
Head coach Toby Booth said: “It is vital we get young players into our talent pool.
“Ben fits the journey we are on at
the Ospreys.
“We are looking to a build a team for the long term as well as competing consistently now.
“As a former Wales U20s international he undoubtedly has potential and we are excited to develop that.”