Cracknell fears for his old friends

OLLY Cracknell fears for the future of former team-mates at the Ospreys as the contract uncertainty in Wales, which sparked a strike threat before last month’s match against England, drags on.

The strike was averted after the Welsh Rugby Union made concessions and said that contracts would quickly be made available for players to sign, but an agreement between the governing body and the four regions over budgets still has to be finalised.

“I speak to my mates at the Ospreys all the time and it is not good,” said back rower Cracknell who joined Leicester from London Irish last season having spent seven years with the Ospreys and making 117 appearances.

“When I was there, there was more than one crisis meeting. The problems were there before Covid and in 2019 there was talk of us merging with the Scarlets. It has come to a head now and I really feel for my friends at the Ospreys. They have not been treated well and the loyalty they have shown by staying with the region has not been recognised.

“It was the same when I was there and to have this go on for such a long time makes it difficult for everyone. If someone gets injured now with no contract offer or one that involves a big pay cut, it is a really tough spot to be in. My sympathy is definitely with them.”

The 28-year old Cracknell said he had bulked up since moving to the Premiership because of its different style of play to the United Rugby Championship.

“I would not say it is more physical in the Premiership, but it is more attritional,” he said. “I got a bit heavier in my final months with the Ospreys because the coach was not picking me and I spent time in the gym.

“I have enjoyed the season with Leicester and we have run into a bit of form after a challenging time in December with the coach changes. We have moved up the table and if we make the playoffs, I do not think anyone will fancy playing us.”