Ospreys hooker Elvis Taione signs contract extension

Ospreys have confirmed that hooker Elvis Taione has extended his stay at the club after signing a contract extension for the 2022/23 season.

The 38-year-old featured in 29 Tests for Tonga between 2012 and 2019 and was part of the 2015 World Cup winning squad.

Having started his career with Super Rugby clubs Waratahs and Western Force, Taione played for Jersey Reds and Exeter Chiefs before joining Ospreys in 2021. He has gone on to play 14 times for the Welsh province this season.

“The body feels good and the fire still burns and I have really enjoyed the boys and the environment at the Ospreys," he told the club's official website.

“I am still a competitive person and there is a real competition for places here and that drives me and the standards here.

“All the things I heard about the Ospreys and Swansea are true and the desire among all the players here is to improve and to be the best we can be.

“There are some really talented youngsters in the squad and giving them advice or guidance to help them develop has been one part of my role I that have enjoyed.”

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth is delighted with Taione committing to the club for another season.

“Elvis’ experience and mentality around our forward play has been exactly what we wanted and the reason we signed him.

"He brings a tough mentality and a quiet authority with a willingness to share his experience with the squad.”