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Hopkins leaves Ospreys

Thursday 22nd May 2008

The Ospreys have confirmed Kevin Hopkins' departure from the club.

Hopkins' post as Director of Rugby was made redundant following a recent internal review of the region.

The former Wales centre was offered another role within the organisation, but he has chosen not to take it.

"While we are sorry that Kevin has felt unable to take on a new role within the organisation, we fully understand and respect his reasons for not wanting to do so," said Ospreys Managing Director Roger Blyth.

Meanwhile, the Ospreys have confirmed that hooker Ed Shervington has penned a new two-year contract with the region.

The 23-year-old has become the sixth player to commit himself to Anglo-Welsh winners, joining Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, Huw Bennett, Filo Tiatia and Ben Lewis in signing.

"I'm happy to have signed for another two years. It's clear that the Ospreys are going places and I can't think of any other team I'd rather be involved with," Shirvington said, speaking to the Ospreys' official website.

"I'm obviously pleased to have the security of another couple of years as I look to build on the work I've done this season, but I can't take anything for granted as I realise that it's going to be tough to nail down a regular place in the team with Huw Bennett and Richard Hibbard ahead of me.

Coach Sean Holley was equally pleased to have secured the player's services for the next two seasons.

"I'm pleased that Ed has agreed to stay at the Ospreys. He has worked diligently over the last twelve months and this new contract is a just reward for his efforts," Holley said.

"He is another player to have come through the ranks at the Ospreys having impressed at Academy level and is another example of a youngster who has taken the opportunities that we have offered him.

"The next couple of seasons will be very important for Ed, and we're looking forward to seeing how he reacts to the challenges that now lie ahead of him if he wants to establish himself in the Ospreys squad."