Cockbain in Ospreys Switch


By Lestyn
May 31 2004

Brent Cockbain is the most high profile member of a trio of out of Warriors player to sign for the Ospreys. The promising pair of Ryan Jones and David Bishop will also follow lock Cockbain to West Glamorgan.

31st May

By Lestyn

Cockbain is likely be one of several big name Warriors to agree deals elsewhere this week, with Newport Gwent Dragons expected to name a hand full this week.

As for the Ospreys lock Cockbains signature, along with those of centre David Bishop and back rower Ryan Jones come no doubt as a boost following a post season signings list that only include uncapped Kiwi scum half Jason Spice from Wellington.

Jones and Bishop are seen as two of the most promising players in Wales, with Jones who can play anywhere in the back of the scrum, a target for all four remaining regions after impressing in his appearances for the Warriors on international weekends.

Bishop on the other hand failed to live up to his form in Bridgend's title winning side of 2003, enduring a poor season ravaged by injury. Yet the Ospreys who just sneaked into the Heineken_cup ahead of Cardiff Blues, were devoid of decent centre play for virtually the whole of last season, believe that Bishop can be the pacy number thirteen they were clearly missing.

The Ospreys who hope to be playing their rugby at the White Rock stadium from the 2005 onwards, are also looking to add another big name signing in Sonny Parker to their squad, but face tough competition from England in the shape of Northampton and Gloucester.

 Robert Sidoli and Gethin Jenkins appear to have a straight choice between staying in Wales with Cardiff, or heading to Sale Sharks, however sources close Red Dragon rugby have indicated Jenkins is unlikely to move across the border with the prop almost a certainty to ply his trade at the Arms Park next season.

Other speculation is linking Jon Bryant with a move to newly promoted Zurich_Premiership outfit Worcester, but the Dragons have insisted the centre is still on course to agreeing terms with them.

Transfer Watch

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