Ospreys scouring for new scrum-half

The Ospryes are set to ask ERC for exemption from the transfer rules governing Heineken Cup squads, so they can dip into the transfer market for a temporary replacement scrum-half.

The Ospryes are set to ask ERC for exemption from the transfer rules governing Heineken Cup squads, so they can dip into the transfer market for a temporary replacement scrum-half.

The two senior scrum-halves in the squad, Mike Phillips and Jamie Nutbrown, are both out of action for at least two months with injury. The Ospreys do have two promising scrum-halves in Rhys Webb and Rhodri Wells, but caretaker coach Sean Holley would prefer to have some experienced cover.

The deadline for naming the players for the opening week of the competition was the end of last week, but the region could look into trying to gain some flexibility from ERC bosses.

“We will see whether we will try and bring in someone else,” Holley told the Western Mail.

“We will assess how long Mike is going to be out, but going into an EDF Energy, Heineken Cup and Magners League campaign we ideally would really need three scrum-halves.

“It is an important decision with the naming of the European squad.

“The two players are big-game players and we want to get them back as soon as possible.

“It is a blow to lose Mike for longer than we expected. It is more of a prudent decision because we want to get him right long-term.

“Jamie is just very unfortunate. We spent a long time watching him and trying to get him, so to lose him so soon is tough to take.

“But we do have faith in the young guys.

“Even though they are making errors the two youngsters are doing OK and don't look out of place in regional rugby.

“That augurs well and sometimes when young players are given a chance to have some game time they can show what they can do.”

Webb started the 19-13 defeat to Celtic champions Leinster on Friday night and performed well.