Ospreys swoop for Moldovan tighthead

The Ospreys have added to their front-row options for next season, signing Moldovan international tighthead prop Gheorghe Gajion.

1.9m, 133kg powerhouse Gajion signs for the Ospreys for next season, following George North, Scott Williams, Aled Davies, Tom Botha and Lesley Klim as the sixth new signing to be confirmed.

11 current players have also signed new deals, with six Welsh internationals including skipper Alun Wyn Jones committing to the region.

The Moldovan tighthead follows in the footsteps of compatriot Dmitri Arhip who has played 90 times for the Ospreys since signing in November 2012 and who heads to France this summer.

The 25-year old is a physically imposing, powerful presence, both at the setpiece and around the field, and he will link up with his new team-mates at Llandarcy Academy of Sport for pre-season after impressing during a trial period with the region in April.

Capped 13 times by Moldova, Gajion has played for Russian Premier League side Bulava Taganrog, Italian club Rovigo where he gained European Challenge Cup experience and, latterly, in France with Trelissac.

Speaking about his move to the Ospreys, Gajion said: “It’s a huge honour for me to sign for the Ospreys, who are a very big club both in European and world rugby. I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my career and I hope I can make my country, my family and the Ospreys supporters proud. With my fellow countryman and friend Dmitri leaving I know I have big shoes to fill but I will give it 100 per cent.”

Dan Griffiths, Rugby General Manager at the Ospreys, confirmed the signing, saying: “Gheorghe spent time in our environment last month and made a really positive impression on the coaches and players, so we are delighted to be able to add him to the squad.

“He’s a big man. Physically he is a real specimen, with dynamism and exceptional strength. He is someone who the coaches believe has the raw ingredients to make a real impact, and I know Allen Clarke is excited about working with him.

“We’ve shown with Dmitri with the support and guidance provided by our environment what can be achieved, having arrived here with raw potential, and developing into a top tight head. I know that Gheorghe is looking forward to following in his footsteps as the second Moldovan to represent the Ospreys.”

Along with Botha, Gajion will compete with Ma’afu Fia and young Welsh tightheads Alex Jeffries and Mitchell Walsh next season.

Photo Credit: Ospreys official website