Tipuric joins Lydiate in giving Ospreys a boost

The 27-year-old – capped 44 times and once for the British and Irish Lions – tied himself to Ospreys till 2020 and said it had not been a difficult decision to stay with the one club he has played for.

"It's a good place to be at. It was an easy decision," said Tipuric, who has represented the Ospreys 128 times.

"We are going in the right direction and I'm happy to sign for the team I support.

"The group of players we've got now helps, obviously family comes into it, and you want to win things. I've won one league with the Ospreys [the 2013 Celtic League] and I want to win more, which I think we can do.

"There have been some ups and downs over the last few seasons but we've learned from them and are in a much better place.

"With some experienced players added to the squad, key players re-signing and plenty of young talent coming through, it's an exciting time for the Ospreys."

Lydiate, capped 57 times and also a Lion, re-signed for Ospreys at the end of October.

The region's coach Steve Tandy said Tipuric's declaration of faith in the side was a huge vote of confidence.

"Justin is an unbelievable talent and a fantastic Osprey, so it is excellent news for us that he sees his long-term future here," said Tandy, whose side are presently third in the Pro12 standings.

"Not only does he have phenomenal talent, he has a work ethic to match, which is the secret of why he has become one of the best sevens [flank] around.

"For a player of his calibre to re-sign, it's great for us."

Agence France-Presse