Ospreys to snag another Kiwi
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:41
Bay of Plenty is set to lose key playmaker Jamie Nutbrown for a fair amount of their Air New Zealand Cup campaign.
Ospreys bosses have confirmed that they are in discussions with officials in New Zealand with a view to securing the early release of the New Zealand 'A' scrumhalf, Nutbrown, after the 27-year-old agreed in principle to a two-year contract with the region.
Nutbrown has 12 months remaining on his New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract and has been hotly tipped in his home country for a call-up to the All Blacks.
However, it now appears he might be joining the exodus to the cash-flush clubs in the Northern Hemisphere and, if negotiations progress, is expected to provide a stern challenge to Mike Phillips for the No.9 shirt at the Ospreys.
A former Super 12 winner with the Crusaders, Nutbrown has spent the last three seasons at the Chiefs, where he has been involved in a keenly contested battle for a starting place with All Black Brendan Leonard.
Considered one of the leading scrumhalves in New Zealand, the Ospreys are hopeful that agreement can be reached in time to allow the player to arrive at the Liberty Stadium at the end of August, ahead of the new season.
Ospreys' Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore, who is currently in New Zealand meeting officials to discuss the issue, said he was "hopeful" that a deal will be struck shortly.
"Jamie Nutbrown is a highly rated scrumhalf who has been on the verge of a call-up to the All Black squad on a number of occasions, as recently as this year's Tri-Nations," Hore said.
"He has been hotly tipped for the tour squad in November, having gained extensive experience with both the Chiefs and the Crusaders, including being involved in winning a Super 14 title.
"Jamie has an excellent work ethic, he is a strong character who sets very high standards on and off the field. As an individual who appreciates that being a professional rugby player is a very privileged position to be in, he fully understands the importance of the hard work and dedication needed to succeed.
"The coaches we've spoken to have all said the same thing about him, he is a fantastic person to have around a squad as his enthusiasm and professionalism rub off on others and help to raise standards, whilst his rugby ability speaks for itself.
"In his career to date, he has played with, and learnt from, some great players, which has helped him to become an excellent scrumhalf and he would be an asset to the Ospreys.
"I have no doubt that Jamie's potential arrival could have a highly positive impact in the dressing room, he is the type of personality who will lift everybody. The intention is that he's coming to Ospreys with a view to not only challenging Mike Phillips for the No.9 shirt, but importantly given our commitment to bringing through Welsh talent, to help develop the likes of Rhys Webb."
Standing 1.79m tall and weighing in at 87kg, Nutbrown has represented New Zealand at all age groups as well as 'A-Team' level.
Hailing from Belfast in Canterbury, he initially made his Super 12 breakthrough at the Crusaders, making his debut against the Waratahs in 2004.
The highlight of his time with the red and blacks was the 2005 Super 12 Final, also against the Waratahs, where he was part of the Crusaders squad that clinched their fifth title. He moved to the Chiefs in 2006, where he has made 22 Super 14 appearances.
Having suffered a knee injury in the opening game of the 2008 campaign, he spent eight weeks on the sidelines before returning to the starting line-up in the closing month of the Super 14, starting three of the last four matches.
In recent weeks he has worn the captain's armband for Bay of Plenty in the Air New Zealand Cup.
Should the Ospreys successfully agree his early release, Jamie Nutbrown will become the fifth overseas player at the Ospreys, still two short of the limit for the coming season.
He will be reunited with his former Chiefs teammate Marty Holah, and fellow New Zealander Filo Tiatia, as well as Scotland wing Nikki Walker and Ireland wing Tommy Bowe, who has joined the region this summer from Ulster.
Nutbrown confirmed he was in the process of "working through a few things" with a view to hooking up with the Ospreys.
"I'd like to see the season out with the Bay," Nutbrown said.
