Botha is front row target as Ospreys rebuild

THE Ospreys have identified Cheetahs tighthead prop Tom Botha as a leading candidate to bolster their front-row resources.

The Swansea-based outfit are in talks with the forward over a move to South Wales in time for next season despite currently being without a head coach following the sacking of Steve Tandy.

Liberty Stadium chiefs have identified the front row as an area in need of strengthening with Moldovan prop Dimitri Arhip expected to join Montpellier next season.

Botha has represented the Cheetahs, Southern Kings and Western Province and is considered a destructive scrummager.

But the 27-year-old sat out yesterday's PRO14 fixture against his potential future employers due to a calf problem.

With half-back duo Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar departing the Liberty at the end of the season, the Ospreys are in the middle of a rebuilding phase.

Despite being without anyone in full-time charge as things stand, the Ospreys know they must act quickly to ensure they sufficiently strengthen after a disappointing campaign to date.

Wales stars Scott Williams and Aled Davies have already committed their futures to the Ospreys after joining from arch rivals the Scarlets, while a number of senior players such as James King and Owen Watkin have signed new long-term contracts.