Having their star-studded core of Welsh talent combined with high-profile All Blacks, the Ospreys have been described as 'the Real Madrid of Wales', a team full of exciting attacking potential.
With the likes of Shane Williams, Alun Wyn Jones and Tommy Bowe, all 2009 British and Irish Lions, and Jerry Collins and Marty Holah, the Ospreys have built up a very competitive and fearsome squad full of strength in depth bursting with creativity and imagination.
But for all their efforts, the holy grail of the Heineken Cup has continually eluded them. Consecutive quarter-final losses at the hands of Munster, Saracens and Biarritz in the past three years have led to the region recently losing some of their star players.
Lee Byrne and James Hook have already announced their departure from the Liberty Stadium come the end of the season. With Gavin Henson having already left the region, and Shane Williams nearing retirement, Mike Phillips is another Welsh superstar reported to be considering seeking pastures new once his contract expires in the summer. All are match winners, exciting runners with ball in hand, playmakers capable of matching the All Blacks on their day for sheer skill and talent.
But with world rugby continually evolving, France seems to be the place to play. Byrne has committed to joining the Clemont Auvergne revolution as part of a mouth-watering, international back three with Sitiveni Sivivatu and Aurelian Rougerie.
One of the worst kept secrets in rugby was that James Hook would be signing for Catalan giants Perpignan whilst Gavin Henson enjoyed a dream debut recently for Toulon in their cauldron of an atmosphere.
These teams are Top 14 giants with serious strength in depth meaning they can strongly challenge on all fronts. Their prestigious competition provides players with bigger squads, more money, a change in culture and lifestyle, bigger challenges and a new language to overcome.
So it is easy to see why Mike Phillips has become tempted with a move across the Channel. It is rumoured Toulon are interested in securing his signature, wanting a big name replacement for their retiring French international scrum half Pierre Mignoni.
With the World Cup at the end of the year, selection to be on the plane to the southern hemisphere should be on the mind of the experienced quartet. It is important to consider whether playing overseas will harm their chances of further international recognition.
Warren Gatland's selection policy means that selection for your country is severely disadvantaged if you choose to ply your trade away from Cardiff, Swansea, Newport or Llanelli.
The likes of Gareth Delve, Nicky Robinson, Dwayne Peel and Alix Popham have found the door firmly shut after choosing to play abroad yet Andy Powell's recent move to London Wasps seems to have reignited his faltering international career.
Whatever the outcome, this is a fresh start for the Ospreys and their departing stars whilst the ever-present French lure just goes from strength to strength.
James Tennant
