Ospreys
Founded	2003
Union	Welsh Rugby Union
Location	West Glamorgan, Wales
Ground(s)	Liberty Stadium
Capacity	20,520
Captain	Ryan Jones
Most caps	Barry Williams (101)
Top scorer	Gavin Henson (773)
Most tries	Shane Williams (39)
League	Magners League
2007-08	7th
Home colours		Away colours
Official website
www.ospreysrugby.com

The Ospreys (Welsh: Y Gweilch), formerly the Neath-Swansea Ospreys^[1] (Gweilch Tawe-Nedd), are a rugby union team from Wales, playing in the Celtic League, EDF Energy Cup and the Heineken Cup/European Challenge Cup. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU ( Undeb Rygbi Cymru) is the governing body of Rugby union in Wales, recognised by the International Rugby Board Glamorgan or Glamorganshire (Morgannwg is one of the thirteen historic counties and a former administrative county of Wales. The Liberty Stadium (Stadiwm Liberty referred to as New Stadium during construction is a purpose-built sports and concert arena and conferencing venue in the Landore Ryan Paul Jones (born 13 March 1981 in Newport) is a Rugby union footballer who plays at for the Ospreys and Wales. A cap is an appearance for a select team such as a school county or international team in sports Barry Hugh Williams (born 6 January 1974 in Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire) is a Welsh international Rugby union player Gavin Lloyd Henson (born February 1, 1982 in Bridgend) is a Welsh Rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys regional Shane Mark Williams (born 26 February 1977 in Swansea) is a Welsh Rugby union player who plays as a for the Ospreys Welsh ( cy Cymraeg or cy y Gymraeg, kəmˈrɑːɨɡ and {{IPA|[ə ɡəmˈrɑːɨɡ]}}, is a member of the Brythonic branch of Celtic Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short The EDF Energy Cup (also known as the Anglo-Welsh Cup) is an English and Welsh Rugby union knock-out cup competition featuring the The European Rugby Cup (known as the Heineken Cup because of the tournament's sponsorship by Heineken) is an annual Rugby union competition involving leading The European Challenge Cup in Rugby union, known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005 is the junior competition to At the start of the 2005-2006 season, they dropped Neath and Swansea from their name to become simply the Ospreys, although the company is still Neath-Swansea Ospreys.

Strip

The Ospreys Shirt is made up mainly black (the colour of Neath RFC), white (the colour of Swansea RFC), with some grey bits to add anti-aliasing and is currently manufactured by Kooga. Neath Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby union club which plays in the Welsh Premier Division. Swansea Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby union team which plays in the Welsh Premier Division. KooGa is an United Kingdom -based rugby apparel company It was established in 1997 by Shak Anwar and Bill Newton The Shirt's primary sponsor is npower renewables, with secondary sponsorship including Worthington's, Trade Depot, Persimmon, Taylors Regional Food, The Trade Center Wales, Solo Service Group, John West Food Ltd and Cuddy Group. The Ospreys jersey is currently the second most popular by sales figures throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, behind Munster. Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners ^[2]

History

The Ospreys are one of the five original clubs of the Welsh Regional Rugby Era. The club came into being in the summer of 2003 when the WRU controversially elected to reduce the current top tier of Welsh professional rugby from nine clubs into five regions, attempting to mirror the successful formats in Ireland and the Southern Hemisphere countries of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU ( Undeb Rygbi Cymru) is the governing body of Rugby union in Wales, recognised by the International Rugby Board Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Southern Hemisphere is the half of a Planet that is South of the Equator —the word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island

The Ospreys represent the whole of the Neath and Swansea areas in western Glamorgan, including areas of the Upper Swansea Valley, also encompassing Port Talbot and Aberavon. Neath (Castell-nedd is a Town and community situated in the principal area of Neath Port Talbot, Wales, UK with a Swansea ( Abertawe "mouth of the Tawe " is a city and county in Wales. Glamorgan or Glamorganshire (Morgannwg is one of the thirteen historic counties and a former administrative county of Wales. Port Talbot ( Welsh: Aberafan or Porth Talbot) is an Industrial Town in south Wales, UK, with a Population They were initially created as a partnership between the area's two most successful clubs - Neath RFC and Swansea RFC - who still retain ownership of the club on a 50:50 basis. Neath Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby union club which plays in the Welsh Premier Division. Swansea Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby union team which plays in the Welsh Premier Division.

In the summer of 2004, due to the liquidation of the Celtic Warriors region, Neath-Swansea Ospreys had their borders extended to cover much of the Bridgend and Ogmore areas to the east. The Celtic Warriors were a regional Rugby union team from Wales, who played in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup between 2003 Bridgend (Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr is a town in the Country Borough of Bridgend in Wales. However, for logistical reasons, it was decided that no "home" games would be played at Bridgend RFC's Brewery Field. Bridgend Ravens are a Semi-professional Rugby union club based in Bridgend South Wales. Brewery Field is a 12000 capacity multi-use Stadium in Bridgend, Wales.

After initial teething problems, which were inevitable given the storied historical rivalry between the two clubs, the Ospreys have settled down and claim to be Wales' 'one true region' thanks to the demise of the Celtic Warriors. The Celtic Warriors were a regional Rugby union team from Wales, who played in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup between 2003 Presented with initially one of the weaker squads (especially in depth) they performed admirably in their first year, earning by right a place in the 2004/05 European Rugby Cup. The European Rugby Cup (known as the Heineken Cup because of the tournament's sponsorship by Heineken) is an annual Rugby union competition involving leading In 2004/5 they won the Celtic League.

In April 2006, it was announced that noted former New Zealand All Blacks scrum half Justin Marshall had signed to play for Ospreys. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Justin Warren Marshall, MNZM (born 5 August 1973) is a New Zealand Rugby union footballer In November 2006 when it became apparent that Wales 'A' would not be able to face Australia midweek during their November tour, the Ospreys became the first Welsh region to play a major international side since regional rugby was introduced, a match they won 24-16. The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. The 2006 Australian national rugby union team tour to Europe known in Australia as the 2006 Wallabies Spring Tour, is part of a 2006 end-of-year rugby test series ^[3]

The Ospreys won the Celtic League during the 2006/2007 season, topping the league by a single point and taking the title with an away win at Borders. Winning the Celtic League for a second time meant the Ospreys were the first team to have won the Celtic League twice. In February 2008, the Ospreys provided 13 of the starting line-up for Wales in their Six Nations match against England, setting a new record for the number of players from one region playing for their national side. The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international During the 2007/2008 season the Ospreys reached Quarter-final of the Heineken Cup for the first time but unexpectedly lost to Saracens. The European Rugby Cup (known as the Heineken Cup because of the tournament's sponsorship by Heineken) is an annual Rugby union competition involving leading The Saracens Rugby Football Club, also known as Saracens FC or usually just Saracens, are a professional Rugby union team based in Watford, The following week they won the EDF Energy Cup beating Leicester Tigers at Twickenham. The EDF Energy Cup (also known as the Anglo-Welsh Cup) is an English and Welsh Rugby union knock-out cup competition featuring the Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. Twickenham Stadium (usually known as just Twickenham or Twickers) is a Stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond On 16 May 2008, head coach Lyn Jones, who to that point had been Ospreys' only coach, resigned. Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Lyn Jones is a former Wales international Rugby union player A flanker he played his club rugby for Neath RFC. ^[4]

The term Ospreylia[1][2][3] has been adopted by the region and its supporters as a description of the geographical area covered by the region, with supporters known as Ospreylians. Peter Black, Assembly Member for south west Wales has declared himself as AM for Ospreylia on his own blog. Peter Black (born 30 January 1960 is a Welsh Liberal Democrat politician and Member of the Welsh Assembly for the South Wales West Region The National Assembly for Wales is composed of 60 members known as AMs or Assembly Members (in Welsh: ACau or Aelodau'r Cynulliad ^[5]

Ospreys A

On the 23 February 2007, the Ospreys played their first 'A' team match, against Newport-Gwent Dragons 'A' at Bridgend, which was the first 'A' match fixture for any of the Welsh regional sides. Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. They lost the match 22-10.

They since went on to play Worcester 'A' in April, a game which they lost 24-23 to an injury-time penalty.

Home ground

Liberty Stadium.

In their first two seasons, the Ospreys shared their home games between Swansea's St Helens ground (home of Swansea RFC) and Neath's The Gnoll ground (home of Neath RFC). Swansea ( Abertawe "mouth of the Tawe " is a city and county in Wales. St Helens Rugby and Cricket Ground is a spectator sports venue in Swansea, Wales Swansea Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby union team which plays in the Welsh Premier Division. Neath (Castell-nedd is a Town and community situated in the principal area of Neath Port Talbot, Wales, UK with a The Gnoll in Neath, Wales, UK is a joint Rugby union, football and Cricket venue Neath Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby union club which plays in the Welsh Premier Division. For their third season, 2005-2006, they moved to the newly-developed Liberty Stadium in Landore, Swansea which seats over 20,000, double the St Helens capacity. The Liberty Stadium (Stadiwm Liberty referred to as New Stadium during construction is a purpose-built sports and concert arena and conferencing venue in the Landore Landore (Glandŵr is a district of Swansea, Wales, falling in the Landore council ward. Swansea ( Abertawe "mouth of the Tawe " is a city and county in Wales. They have sold this stadium out against an international side (Australia, 1 November 2006^[6]) and against local rivals the Llanelli Scarlets. The 2006 Australian national rugby union team tour to Europe known in Australia as the 2006 Wallabies Spring Tour, is part of a 2006 end-of-year rugby test series Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[7] The Stadium is also home of Swansea City FC

Management

Current Squad

Nat. Swansea City AFC ( Welsh: Clwb Pêl-droed Dinas Abertawe) is a Welsh football team playing in the Coca Cola Championship from Andrew Hore (born 15 April 1972) in New Zealand, is a Rugby union coach Jonathan Humphreys is a former international Wales rugby union player Position Player HK Huw Bennett HK Richard Hibbard HK Ed Shervington PR Cai Griffiths PR Adam Jones PR Paul James PR Duncan Jones PR Andrew Millward PR Craig Mitchell LK Lyndon Bateman LK Ian Evans LK Alun Wyn Jones LK Mike Powell LK Michael Collins LK Ian Gough FL Tom Smith FL Steve Tandy FL Jonathan Thomas

Nat. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Huw Bennett (born 11 June, 1983 in Ebbw Vale) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer who currently plays for the Ospreys A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Richard Hibbard (born 13 December 1983 in Neath, Wales) is a Wales international rugby union player A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Ed Shervington born 11 March, 1985 in Newport, Wales is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Cai Griffiths born 5 January, 1984 in Bangor, Wales is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Adam Jones (born 8 March, 1981) is a Welsh Rugby union player currently playing for the Ospreys in the Magners League A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Paul James born 13 May, 1982 in Neath, Wales is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Duncan Jones (born 18 September 1978 in Blaengwynfi, Neath) is a Welsh Rugby union player who plays at for the A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Andrew Millward born 1 December, 1972 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Craig Mitchell born 3 May, 1986 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Lyndon Bateman born 2 February, 1979 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Ian Evans (born 4 October 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Alun Wyn Jones (born 19 September 1985) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer currently playing for the Ospreys in the Celtic A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Mike Powell born 23 November, 1978 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Michael Collins born 21 July, 1986 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Ian Gough (born 10 November 1976) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer currently playing for the Ospreys in the Celtic League A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Thomas Smith (born 14 December 1985 in Bristol, England) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer who has captained A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Steve Tandy born 16 January, 1980 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 For the actor see Jonathan Taylor Thomas Jonathan Thomas (born 27 December 1982 in Pembroke) is a Welsh Rugby union Position Player FL Ben Lewis FL Marty Holah N8 Andy Lloyd N8 Filo Tiatia N8 Ryan Jones SH Justin Marshall SH Mike Phillips SH Martin Roberts FH James Hook FH Shaun Connor FH Matthew Jones CE Andrew Bishop CE David Bishop CE Gavin Henson CE Sonny Parker CE Jonathan Spratt WG Tommy Bowe WG Jonny Vaughton WG Nikki Walker WG Shane Williams FB Lee Byrne

^[8]

Notable former players

Nat. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Martin Rowan "Marty" Holah (born 10 September 1976 in Hamilton, New Zealand) is a New Zealand rugby union player who A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Andy Lloyd born 9 April, 1981 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Filogia Ian "Filo" Tiatia (born 4 June 1971 in Wellington, New Zealand) is a New Zealand international Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Ryan Paul Jones (born 13 March 1981 in Newport) is a Rugby union footballer who plays at for the Ospreys and Wales. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Justin Warren Marshall, MNZM (born 5 August 1973) is a New Zealand Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Michael "Mike" Phillips (born 29 August 1982 in Carmarthen, Wales) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer who plays A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Martin Roberts (born 6 June 1986) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer who currently plays at for the Llanelli Scarlets in the A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 James William Hook (born 27 June 1985) is a Welsh Rugby union player for the Ospreys. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Andrew Bishop (born 7 August 1985) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer who plays for the Ospreys at centre, usually A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Gavin Lloyd Henson (born February 1, 1982 in Bridgend) is a Welsh Rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys regional A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Sonny Toi Parker (born 27 August 1977 in Thames, New Zealand) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer who plays for the A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Jonathan Spratt born 28 April, 1986 is a Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Thomas John (Tommy Bowe (born 22 February 1984) is an Irish Rugby union footballer from Monaghan, Ireland. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Jonny Vaughton is a Welsh Rugby union player for the Ospreys in the Magners League. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Nikki Walker (born 5 March 1982 in Aberdeen) is a Rugby union footballer who plays on the wing for the Ospreys and A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Shane Mark Williams (born 26 February 1977 in Swansea) is a Welsh Rugby union player who plays as a for the Ospreys A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Lee Byrne (born 1 June 1980 in Bridgend, Wales) is a Welsh Rugby union footballer currently playing for the Position Player LK Gareth Llewellyn CE Scott Gibbs HK Mefin Davies FB Adrian Cashmore CE Leigh Davies WG Stefan Terblanche HK Barry Williams

^[8]

Results and statistics

Celtic League

* Includes 2 "Free Weekends" which equated to 4 points each. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Gareth Llewellyn (born 27 February 1969 in St David's Hospital Cardiff) whilst his father was serving in Cardiff with the Army is a Welsh A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Scott Gibbs (born 23 January 1971 in Bridgend) is a former Rugby footballer who represented Wales and the Lions in A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 David Mefin Davies (born 2 September 1972 in Nantgaredig is a Welsh Rugby union footballer who plays as a hooker in the Wales national A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Adrian Richard Cashmore (born 23 July, 1973) in Tokoroa. He is a New Zealand rugby player who played two tests for the All Blacks A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Leigh Davies is a former international Wales rugby union player A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stefan Terblanche (born in Mossel Bay on July 2, 1975) is a Rugby union player A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Barry Hugh Williams (born 6 January 1974 in Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire) is a Welsh international Rugby union player The 2007-08 Magners League will be the seventh Celtic League season and the second with Magners as title sponsor The 2006-07 Magners League was the sixth Celtic League season and the first with Magners as title sponsor The 2005-2006 Celtic League season was the third season since the inception of regional Rugby union in Wales The 2004-05 Celtic League was the second year of the competition involving Irish Scottish and Welsh Rugby union clubs The 2003-04 Celtic League was the first season following the formation of the five regional rugby sides in Wales

Celtic League Cup

Heineken Cup

Anglo-Welsh Cup

Club honours

• Celtic League - 2004/05, 2006/07
• EDF Energy Cup - 2007/2008

Notable former coaches

• Lyn Jones (2003-2008)

See also

• Celtic League
• EDF Energy Cup
• Heineken Cup
• European Challenge Cup

Footnotes

External links

• Ospreys (official site)
• Ospreys on itsrugby.co.uk
• Aberavon RFC (official site)
• Bridgend RFC (official site)
• Neath RFC (official site)
• Swansea RFC (official site)