Prop Nicky Smith extends stay at Ospreys
Nicky Smith has been with Ospreys since 2012
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Wales international Nicky Smith has penned a new deal with Ospreys that will keep him with the Pro14 club at least until 2023.
Smith made his professional rugby debut with Swansea and has been with Ospreys since 2012 and has made over 100 appearances for the Welsh regional club since then.
The 25-year-old joins Dan Evans, Luke Morgan and Cory Allen among the recent players to extend their stay at the Liberty Stadium.
“I know it’s dragged out probably longer than I was hoping but I’m just happy that I’ve committed my future to my home Region” said Smith to the official website of the club.
“It was always going to be Ospreys and Wales for me, I’m just happy that we’ve got the right deal and I’m looking forward to the next four years.
"It’s been a good season personally but there’s always room for improvement and I know there’s a lot I can work on so over these four years I can hopefully become a better player.
“We’ve got a big game at the weekend and I’m excited to hopefully be involved in it.
"It’s been a tough training week, the boys are firing shots at each other, but it’s all to get ourselves ready for a big game this Saturday to try and put the Ospreys where they should be, which is the top flight in Europe.”
The 6ft prop has been part of Wales side 28 times since making his Test debut in 2014 and was last seen during the Six Nations tournament earlier this year.
"I'm delighted that Nicky has committed to his home club for another four years” said Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke.
“He’s a Swansea boy, he’s been here all his career, developing through the academy pathway to the Ospreys senior team, and now as an established International.
"Despite being comparatively young he has become a core player and a tremendous character within the squad.
“He has shown high-level consistency at the top end of the game, not just in the set-piece but also in open-play, where his contribution is very much that of a modern-day loosehead prop.
"I’m looking forward, as I’m sure our supporters are, to seeing him continue to develop & perform for club and country."
