LEO CULLEN CALLED this time of year ‘silly season’ a few weeks ago in reference to the amount of moves being announced as well as the large number of rumours that fly around regarding where some of rugby’s biggest names will be playing next year.
And while the provinces have been quiet on the recruitment front in the last few weeks, some of their Pro12 rivals have signed up some decent talent ahead of next year.
It was announced earlier in the week that the Highlanders marauding back row Nasi Manu will be with Edinburgh next season while the Ospreys confirmed today that Gareth Delve, who was the first Welshman to play in Super Rugby, will join the team.
Strangely, this will be the back row’s first time playing for a Welsh team despite winning 11 caps for the national team.
“I’m really excited about this move” said Delve. “It’s a great opportunity for me to play with a quality team that I believe is going places, while I’ll be playing in Wales for the first time as a pro. I’ve been really impressed by Steve Tandy and Andy Lloyd when we’ve met and I’m looking forward to helping them to achieve the vision that the Ospreys have.”
He started his career with Bath and Gloucester before playing with the Melbourne Rebels for their first two years in Super Rugby. He has played the last two seasons with the NEC Green Rockets in Japan.
Delve might be 32 but he is a solid player who will provide good back row cover for the Ospreys when Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric are away.
