Davis adamant Ospreys moving forward

THE Ospreys admit they have serious work to do to strengthen their threadbare squad but defence coach Brad Davis is optimistic good things are just around the corner.

Head coach Steve Tandy was under pressure after a shocking season which had yielded only two wins before yesterday’s stunning victory over Northampton.

Tandy has announced the signings of Wales pair Scott Williams and Aled Davies, but Liberty Stadium chiefs know further recruitment is needed.

“We need to improve the overall depth of the squad because we contribute so much to the national team,” said Davis. “Steve has already signed Scott and Aled and I think we need another back rower, possibly another centre, and a back-three player.

“It’s a real message of confidence that players of the quality of Scott and Aled want to come here and I think we can grow and move forward.”

Ospreys backs coach Gruff Rees will leave at the end of the season after 13 years service, leading to further instability at the Swansea-based region.

Matt Sherratt – currently with Cardiff Blues – is set to replace Rees working alongside Tandy.

Davis said: “I think there’s an opportunity to add quality to our starting XV, but also to our second and third-choice players.

“I’ve been in organisations in the past where you aim for three top-end players in each position.

“We are not in that position, but the statement of intent from the recruitment side of things has been outstanding. We are going to show people we are a club which is moving forwards, not stagnating.”

While new signings remain a priority, the Ospreys have been boosted by the return of wing Hanno Dirksen after eight months of knee injury hell.

“Hopefully I can draw a line under everything and move forward,” said Dirksen. “It’s nice to be back and starting with the team. I try not to think about what happened, I just want to pick up where I left off and hopefully we can start winning.”