Fender deal hits right note for Ospreys
JAMES Fender has signed fresh terms with the Ospreys.
The 22-year-old has penned an extension with the Swanseabased club after enjoying an impressive season under Toby Booth.
The South Gower product has turned out 15 times for the Ospreys so far this term and is being tipped to earn international honours at senior level in the future.
He has already represented Wales at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level.
Standing at 6ft 7in, the Welsh giant says he’s delighted to be sticking around longer at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Fender said: “To sign a new deal to stay with my home club is a proud moment for me and my family.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing my career here at the Ospreys, the place where it all started.
“There have been some hugely successful second rows to have come through the Ospreys pathway over the years. You only have to look at people like Alun Wyn (Jones) and Beardy (Adam Beard), playing alongside them and learning from them has been really beneficial for me and has helped massively with my development.”
Booth also expressed his happiness with the deal and said: “It’s great to have Fender commit his future to the Ospreys, it says a lot about the project we are building here. Securing our best young talent has always been an important objective for us.
“Spending time out on loan at the Cornish Pirates and getting exposed to senior rugby was crucial for his development. Returning to us, everyone has witnessed his progress with his performances this season. What is exciting is that there is more to come from him once he is back available from injury.”