New deal for Baker

Editor

The Ospreys have announced that back-row forward Dan Baker has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.

The Ospreys have announced that in-form back-row forward Dan Baker has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium outfit.

Baker, capped twice by Wales, is the tenth player to re-sign with the region this year and at 21 years of age, his best seasons are still ahead of him.

“I'm really happy. Ever since I was a kid, all I wanted to be was an Ospreys player. This year I've been able to play for the region and now I've got my first pro contract. I'm really happy to be here for the next three years. I'm a local boy and this is my region,” he told the Ospreys website.

“It's been a very good year for me, I'm pretty lucky really, to have got the experience in Japan with Wales last summer, and now that I'm fully fit after a few months out it's brilliant to be playing regularly for the Ospreys.

“I've got to try and build on this over the next three years. It won't be easy to establish myself in the first team but I'll give it my best shot and hopefully I'll be good enough.”

Andy Lloyd, Rugby Operations Manager, said he hopes there is more to come from Baker.

“Dan was very unfortunate coming back from a successful experience in Japan last summer to pick up a bump that ruled him out until early this year. Since then he has worked extremely hard and it's been great to see him kicking on and forcing himself into contention for the senior XV on merit recently. He's taken his opportunity with both hands, which is what you want to see from a youngster when he gets the chance,” he said.

“He's something of a crowd pleaser with the 'go-forward' he gives the team. Physically, he's very strong, very powerful, and a great ball carrier, who is also very capable defensively, and he gives us an option around the field.

“What he mustn't do now is get complacent. It's important that he continues to show the right attitude on and off the pitch, and builds on the hard work that has got him to this point in his career.

“Looking forward to next season we are building a squad that will excite any Ospreys supporter, with a blend of experience and youth. The prospect of seeing this team maturing and growing together over the next two or three years is an intriguing one that all supporters should look forward to.”