Smith re-signs with Ospreys despite widespread interest

Wales prop Nicky Smith has signed a new long-term deal with the Ospreys.

The Guinness Pro 14 side confirmed the 25- year-old will remain with them until at least 2023 and claimed there had been “intense competition for his services, from both inside Wales and across the Severn Bridge”.

Smith has won 28 caps and featured in four of Wales’ Six Nations games this season, when they were crowned Grand Slam champions.

He follows backs Dan Evans, Luke Morgan and Cory Allen, who all recently agreed new contracts at the Ospreys.

“I know it has dragged out probably longer than I was hoping, but I’m just happy that I’ve committed my future to my home region,” Smith said.

“It was always going to be Ospreys and Wales for me. I am just happy that we’ve got the right deal, and I am looking forward to the next four years.”

London Scottish announced yesterday that director of rugby Dave Morris had tendered his resignation and will leave the club on 30 June.

A statement from the Championship club said :“As a result of family illness, Dave’s wife and two young children moved back to the Loughborough area in December, since which time Dave has managed the distance b et ween home and work remarkably well. However, this arrangement has proven to be problematic.”

Morris joined Scottish in June 2017 from Loughb orough University. He coached the club’s Sevens team to victory at the Melrose Sevens last month, the first time London Scottish had lifted the Ladies Cup since 1965.

Club president Paul Burnell said: “We are all very sorry to see him go.”