Wales scrum-half Hardy signs new Ospreys deal

Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy has signed a new Ospreys deal.

Hardy, 30, had been linked with a move away from Mark Jones' squad but has agreed a fresh deal, although no length of contract has been revealed.

"I'm happy to be continuing my career with the Ospreys and there's a great group of players and staff here," said Hardy.

"My focus now is to keep pushing my own standards and play my part in making sure we're competing on all fronts.

"I'm excited by what lies ahead for us and feel proud to be part of this club."

Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan are joining Gloucester next season but Morgan Morse, Harri Deaves and Dan Edwards have signed new deals, while Ospreys have signed Tom Rogers from Scarlets.

Hardy has been competing with fellow Wales scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams for the Ospreys' number nine jersey, while Luke Davies and Harri Williams are also on the books.

"Kieran is a vital asset to our squad, so we're delighted he has signed a new deal," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones.

"His contributions both on and off the field in have been invaluable for us.

"We're blessed with an extremely talented scrum-half group, who all bring different attributes to the table.

"Each of them share the key characteristics and traits we look for in an Osprey."

Ospreys' future as a professional side has only been guaranteed until June 2027 amid the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) controversial plans to cut a men's professional team.

Swansea-based Ospreys and Scarlets are expected to compete for a single west Wales licence.