Latest news with #RossMoriarty


BBC News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Ospreys number eight Morris signs new deal
Ospreys number eight Morgan Morris has signed a new deal to stay with the Swansea-based 26, has made 115 appearances since making his Ospreys debut in 2017."It was an easy decision for me, this is my hometown club and where I have spent the whole of my professional career," said Morgan."My best mates are here, players that came through a similar time to me, and we've all developed alongside each other, which is something that we will always treasure."We are a young team that's moving in the right direction, and we're looking forward to pushing on and doing something special next season." Morris missed the final four games of the 2024-25 season because of an injury suffered in the Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat against will battle it out with Morgan Morse and new signing Ross Moriarty next season."He is an Ospreys man through and through and is the perfect blueprint for our young players to look at when it comes to succeeding in an Ospreys jersey," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones."Morgan often gets the plaudits for his hard work on the ball, but he has been working incredibly hard at improving the defensive side of his game since I joined."That is something that was highly apparent in his performances last season."


BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Ospreys sign Wales back row Moriarty from Brive
Ospreys have completed the signing of Wales back row Ross Moriarty from French side British and Irish Lion returns to the Swansea-based region, where he was brought up, and is looking forward to playing at Ospreys' new St Helen's home next season."I grew up watching rugby at St Helen's as a child and it's a massive honour for me to play on the same ground as my dad and my uncle did," said Moriarty."It's a big deal for me and I look forward to giving my family the chance to watch me play more regularly."Moriarty's presence will help fill the back-row void left by the retiring Justin Tipuric, who will become the region's defence coach next season in the backroom staff of head coach Mark Jones. Bringing the physicality Moriarty has specialised at blind-side flanker and number eight and will join a squad that includes back-row options like James Ratti, Morgan Morris, Morgan Morse, Harri Deaves and captain Jac Morgan."I want to bring some real physicality to the game," said Moriarty."It's been great to watch what Mark Jones is building at the Ospreys and I can't wait to be a part of it and bring my own flair to the team."Moriarty, 31, remains eligible for Wales, although he was left out of campaigns by former head coaches Wayne Pivac and Warren Gatland before making himself unavailable for the 2023 World left Dragons for France in 2023 having had a previous six-year spell with Gloucester."Ross is a proven international player who brings an edge to everything he does," said Jones."His experience and competitiveness will be a huge asset to us, both on and off the pitch."We're pleased to bring in someone of his calibre as we continue to strengthen our squad and push the standards of this group."


Wales Online
6 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh region announce signing of Wales and Lions international
Welsh region announce signing of Wales and Lions international The 31-year-old will join the Ospreys after spending two years in France The Ospreys have confirmed the signing of Wales international Ross Moriarty (Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency ) The Ospreys have confirmed the signing of Wales and British and Irish Lions back-row Ross Moriarty ahead of next season. The 54-cap international joins from French outfit Brive, having spent two full seasons in France's second tier, Pro D2, with Les Gaillards. After previously playing for the Dragons and Gloucester, Moriarty, who toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2017, returns to where he was brought up - with both his father Paul and uncle Richard having been heavily involved with Swansea RFC over the years. That only serves to make the move to the Ospreys all the more symbolic, given their move to St Helen's next season - giving the cult-hero status of his family in Swansea. The Ospreys had been in need of back-row reinforcements, with the talismanic Justin Tipuric hanging up his boots and blue scrum cap to join Mark Jones' coaching staff ahead of next season. Flanker Tristan Davies was also confirmed to be joining local rivals Scarlets this week. The 31-year-old, who still remains eligible for Test selection, last played for Wales in March 2022, before being left out of squads under Wayne Pivac and Warren Gatland. Having fallen out of favour under Gatland, he made himself unavailable for the 2023 World Cup following his move to France. Article continues below Prior to joining Brive, the physical back-row had previously spent five years with the Dragons after joining the Men of Gwent in 2018 following six seasons with Gloucester. 'I'm really looking forward to joining the Ospreys and playing in my hometown," said Moriarty. "I grew up watching rugby at St Helen's as a child and it's a massive honour for me to play on the same ground as my dad and my uncle did. "It's a big deal for me, and I look forward to giving my family the chance to watch me play more regularly. 'I want to bring some real physicality to the game. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "It's been great to watch what Mark Jones is building at the Ospreys, and I can't wait to be a part of it and bring my own flair to the team.' The back-row had joined Brive early, having left Rodney Parade before the end of the 2022/23 season in a bid to keep the French outfit in the Top 14. Unfortunately, Brive missed out on promotion back to the top flight in each of Moriarty's full seasons in France - with the back-row calling time on an "unforgettable experience" after their play-off semi-final defeat to Montauban. 'Ross is a proven international player who brings an edge to everything he does," added Ospreys head coach Jones. Article continues below "His experience and competitiveness will be a huge asset to us, both on and off the pitch. We're really pleased to bring in someone of his calibre as we continue to strengthen our squad and push the standards of this group.'


Wales Online
7 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as new faces spotted in Wales camp and Moriarty says 'it's been an honour'
Today's rugby news as new faces spotted in Wales camp and Moriarty says 'it's been an honour' These are the rugby stories making headlines on Tuesday, June 3 Ross Moriarty and his family have signed off from their time in Brive (Image: Ross Moriarty/Instagram ) These are your rugby headlines on Tuesday, June 3. New boys arrive in Wales camp Wales players have arrived in camp at the Vale as their summer preparations officially started on Monday. Last week a number of Matt Sherratt's squad turned up early for an optional extra conditioning session at their training base. Several members took up the opportunity, with the likes of Taulupe Faletau, Elliot Dee, Rhodri Williams, Alex Mann and Cam Winnett being put through their paces ahead of a two-Test tour against Japan later this summer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The Welsh Rugby Union have now published more photos as the camp officially gets under way, with new uncapped call- ups Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher, Dragons tighthead Chris Coleman, Ospreys loosehead Garyn Phillips, Ospreys scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams and Ospreys wing Keelan Giles all pictured in training. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Fellow new face Macs Page has likely been granted further time off due to his exploits with the Scarlets last weekend in Dublin. Wales will be heading to the Far East for two matches against Eddie Jones' Japan and they will be looking to put an end to their miserable run of 17 straight Test defeats. Moriarty signs off Ross Moriarty has signed off his time in France with Brive, saying it's been "an honour" to serve the club. The Wales international moved to the continent in 2022 and quickly proved a popular addition to the French side's squad, winning multiple awards for his performances in the Pro D2. After three years with the club he's now heading home, with a deal with the Ospreys believed to have been signed and sealed for some time. Moriarty's final appearance for Brive ended in heartache, with his team losing in their Rugby Pro D2 semi-final play-off against Montauban. Content cannot be displayed without consent "What an unforgettable experience," the 54-times-capped man wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to all the incredible supporters for the passion and energy you brought to every game. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to represent this club and for the memories we've made as a family. It's been an honour." Club to open tonight in tribute to Wales man Ebbw Vale Rugby Club are set to open their doors this evening for anyone wishing to sign a book of remembrance for former player Mark Jones. The Wales No.8 passed away last month, with tributes pouring in from across the rugby world. "Ebbw Vale RFC will be opening a book of remembrance for former player Mark Jones who recently passed away," the club said on social media. "The club will be open from 6pm-8pm Tuesday 3rd June and again on Saturday 7th June from 2pm for anyone wishing to sign and send messages of condolence to Mark's family." An emotional tribute was published to Jones on the club's website after the sad news was confirmed. "Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC is shocked and heartbroken at the news of the very recent passing of former player and club legend Mark Jones," the club said. "We were lucky enough to have Mark spend the evening with us promoting his book launch last year. Mark was adored by players and supporters during his time as a player, and even more so after he left. "A true legend of the game and his passing leaves an unfillable hole in our hearts. To his family and friends in Wales and overseas, we are truly sorry for your loss. We send our love and deepest condolences. "Finally to Mark himself. Mark you were a legend of this club, and will always be remembered as one of the greatest characters to ever pull on our jersey. We will never see your like again. Rest easy old friend. Much love from everyone at EVRFC." Venter disappointed at exit By Anthony Brown, PA Henco Venter expressed disappointment over his impending Glasgow exit after becoming one of the first victims of Scottish Rugby's drive to reduce the number of non-Scottish-qualified players affiliated to the country's two professional clubs. It was announced in March that the 33-year-old South African back-rower would be leaving Warriors this summer to join French second-tier side Brive. Venter, a fans' favourite at Scotstoun, had hoped to extend his two-year stint at the club, and head coach Franco Smith said in April he would have liked to have retained the forward. However, Scottish Rugby director of rugby David Nucifora is overseeing a shift in strategy to provide more opportunities for Scottish-qualified players to play for Glasgow and Edinburgh. Explaining his reasons for leaving at a press conference on Monday, Venter said: 'Oh, tricky question. It's from above and all the stuff going on in Scotland rugby with the foreigners. That's basically one of the main reasons. I love this place and I'd love to stay here.' Venter has had more than two months to get his head around the fact his Glasgow career will be over once their involvement in the United Rugby Championship play-offs is over this month, but he admits he was not expecting to be released. 'It's rugby, so there's always something and some challenge to overcome, some injury,' he said. 'So, yeah, it's bad and I didn't like it, but it's rugby. You don't take anything personally. 'You learn to accept stuff and just be better where you can be better and perform where you can perform and enjoy every moment. I'll enjoy this week and hopefully next week.' Venter insisted he 'respects' Scottish Rugby's change of policy with regard to foreign players. 'I understand that's their plan going forward and I respect it,' he said. 'I am not Scottish, so it's a privilege to be here and to give back to the club and to the country. 'If they make their plans, they have a will to make Scotland rugby better and I hope they succeed in it.' Venter was the toast of Scotstoun during and after Friday's URC quarter-final victory over Stormers as he scored a try and produced a magnificent display in his final home match for the Warriors. They now face Leinster in the semi-final at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, and the South African is braced for a formidable task as he bids to prolong his Glasgow career by one more week. Article continues below When asked what it would require to win in Dublin, he said: 'Twenty-three dogs and 80 minutes of just everyone giving everything. 'They're a class outfit with world-class players and world-class coaching staff. But it's rugby. So if we do our stuff right, then we can do it. 'These games, this is what you play for. Big stakes, big crowd, everyone just ready to give everything.'


BBC News
18-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales back row Moriarty to sign for Ospreys
Wales back row Ross Moriarty is set to join up with Ospreys for the 2025-26 season from French side British and Irish Lion, who played the last of his 54 internationals for Wales in March 2022, is in line to return to the Swansea-based region where he was brought 30, has not officially signed yet but is expected to agree a deal to play for Ospreys next remains eligible for Wales, although he was left out of campaigns by former head coaches Wayne Pivac and Warren Gatland before the player made himself unavailable for the 2023 World left Dragons for France in 2023 having had a previous six-year spell with are looking for back-row replacements for the retiring Justin Tipuric, who will become the region's defence coach next season.