OSPREYS LEAD HARDY PURSUIT
WALES scrum-half Kieran Hardy is set to leave the Scarlets at the end of the season, with the Ospreys among the front-runners to secure his signature.
Hardy, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign, has also attracted interest from former French champions Montpellier and a number of English clubs.
In the wake of Tomos Williams’ decision to sign for Gloucester, a move to Cardiff would have seemed logical but the Arms Park outfit look set to go down the overseas route to replace the experienced Wales No. 9, while they also have the up-andcoming Ellis Bevan on their books.
Hardy only has 18 caps for Wales, meaning if he were to sign for a club outside the country he would risk his international future, but that is a decision many players will have to make in the near future.
Since rejoining the Scarlets from Jersey Reds in 2018, Hardy has found himself behind Gareth Davies for club and country.
The West Wales region also have the deeply promising Archie Hughes on their books, with many tipping him for senior Wales honours at some point in the future.
Hardy will compete with Davies and Williams for the Wales scrumhalf shirt during the Six Nations, but at the age of 28 the time is right for the man from Pontyberem to assume the mantle of first choice at a club, and we understand the Ospreys are keen on acquiring his services.
The Ospreys have the dependable Reuben Morgan-Williams and Hardy’s cousin Luke Davies as their top two nines, but clearly the Wales scrum-half would strengthen their squad if he were to sign.
Despite dropping in and out of the Scarlets side this season, Hardy has been impressive when called upon with his sharp service, accurate boxkicking, and his support play an asset to any side he plays for.
Nothing has been decided yet but what is certain is that Hardy has a big decision to make on his future