Howells extends Ospreys stay

Editor

Wales winger Dafydd Howells has signed a two-year deal with PRO12 side Ospreys after making just 12 appearances for the region.

The Brecon-born speedster has however been sidelined since November after sustaining a hamstring injury.

In an official release on the Ospreys website, head coach Steve Tandy said: "It’s really pleasing to have Daf commit to us, and vice versa, for us to be able to secure another talented youngster from the region."

"He was identified as a player with potential within our age-grade system but has had an up and down few years. 

"He won a senior international cap very young but we recognised that he needed a bit more nurturing and have held him back a bit accordingly, while a few injuries along the way have frustrated him.

"Looking across his last four summers, he’s never been able to have a sustained pre-season as it’s been Wales U18s, senior national squad and two Junior World Cups. 

"It’s exciting for us this summer, the prospect of getting some good work in with him over the coming months to really give him a chance to stake a claim for game time at the start of next season.

Tandy added that Howells has reciprocated his backing, despite the winger's lack of experience at this level.   

"He had a couple of opportunities this season and certainly grasped them, against Zebre and then Exeter in particular," he explained.

"Throwing him into Champions Cup action was a leap of faith and a great experience for him, tinged with the season ending injury he picked up late on.

"The pace and dynamism he brings can provide a point of difference if channeled effectively.

"He’s got a good attitude towards learning what it takes to be effective at this level and with some sustained work over the coming months we can support him to reach his full potential, which will be great for him and for the Ospreys."