Tipuric turns down major offers to stay at Ospreys

THE loyalty factor has saved Welsh rugby from an incalculable loss, with Justin Tipuric signing a new long-term contract with the Ospreys and turning his back on English and French clubs who had been pursuing him.

It had been reported before Christmas that Bristol Bears were willing to pay the Wales openside star £500,000 a year to join them.

Lyon, Clermont Auvergne, Toulon and Toulouse were also said to be interested in the 30-year-old.

But the Ospreys skipper has opted to pen a fresh three-year deal with his home region, in the process scuppering the plans of those who had wanted to lure him away.

“This is my home region and where it all started for me and I wanted to stay,” said Tipuric.

“I watched the club as a supporter and to get the chance to play for them was always a big thing. I used to come and watch the Ospreys with my family and friends and I have grown up here. This has been a difficult season, nobody would deny that, but now, hopefully, we can start building for the future.

“My friends are here, my family are here, and I want to see the Ospreys get back to where they used to be. We now have a clear path for the future and I want to play my part and be part of that journey.”

He added: “It’s always flattering to know people want you and value what you do. It’s a nice boost, but there is a job to do here.”

The Ospreys, enjoying a goodnews week after the announcement of Toby Booth as head coach in succession to Allen Clarke and the capture of Mat Protheroe from Bristol, have secured Tipuric until the summer of 2023, when he will be 33.

To keep their 76-cap No.7 under lock and key, all concerned needed to arrive at a valuation that reflected his true worth, with a top-level Welsh rugby panel eventually coming up with a figure that was in the right ballpark.

By retaining Tipuric, the Ospreys have reaffirmed their ambition to rise again after the most troubled spell in their 16-year history.

“I cannot say how pleased we are that Justin is staying with the Ospreys,” said chief executive Andrew Millward.

“He had plenty of options on the table, but he decided to remain with his home region.

“He is an iconic Osprey. People around the world regard him as one of the best players in the world, and any side in the world would love to have him in their team.

“The fact that he has decided to remain an Osprey is a massive statement of intent for all of us at the Ospreys – players, coaches, staff and supporters.”

It’s not only bright news for the Liberty Stadium region.

Wayne Pivac will also be pleased that the man he made Wales captain for the game with the Barbarians before Christmas has decided to stick around.

An alternative could have seen Tipuric encountering all kinds of problems, ranging from potentially not being available for Wales training and Tests played outside the international window to clocking up many miles travelling, depending on whether he had relocated to England or France.

But now he won’t have to concern himself with such matters.

And, with scrum-half Rhys Webb lining up for the region next term, Ospreys’ supporters may gradually be starting to see a dot of light once more.

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