Rugby In Wales - Neath-Swansea Ospreys

RUGBY IN NEATH AND SWANSEA

Neath-Swansea Ospreys The Ospreys were originally a direct result of the amalgamation of Neath RFC and Swansea RFC which happened during the summer of 2003, in light of the requirement of Welsh Rugby’s senior clubs to form regions. The first season for the then Neath Swansea Ospreys was not a greatly successful one, enduring a 10 game losing streak, and a constant battle with the Cardiff Blues for the last remaining Welsh Heineken Cup spot. The turning point in this constant tug of war came when we soundly defeated the Blues on a sunny day at St Helens , turning the tide in our favour, virtually ensuring Heineken Cup rugby for the next season. The battle continued to rage until the end of the season, and it needed at the time a last minute try up in Glasgow from Duncan Jones to ensure a bonus point and qualification for the European cup for another season. This was deemed vital if progress was continually to be achieved from season to season for this exciting new region.
	With the demise of the Celtic Warriors just before the beginning of the 2004/5 season, the Ospreys benefited with the acquisition of some of their players to bolster the squad for the coming season. Players with the calibre of Sonny Parker, Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones and David Bishop added steel and guile to an already young and exciting side. Certainly there were great expectations placed upon the Ospreys, to put up a great showing in the Celtic League and battle hard for qualification in the European Cup.
All expectations were certainly exceeded in the Celtic League in that only our second season, the title was captured by March 25 th, replacing the Llanelli Scarlets as champions from the previous season. This was a remarkable achievement and was testament to the strength in depth in the squad when you especially consider the amount of international call ups that had to be endured during this last glorious season for Welsh rugby. Read more History Wimbledonians Rugby Club.
The European cup quarter finals remained elusive for another year, but strong showings against Munster the bridesmaids of European rugby, went to show how far we had come in a short space of time. The future certainly looked bright for the region. So to this season, what can be said? We have moved into a multi million pound stadium, possibly the best of its kind in Europe , with all the facilities a professional sportsman and a paying spectator could wish for. Established World and European stars in a side bristling and supreme in confidence, looking to build on and move forward from last year. Certainly this is a year to be excited if you are part of the Ospreys family, great things are expected again this year and although a group of death has been drawn for the European Cup there are genuine aspirations and hopes for a Quarter final place and beyond. Click here to visit Ospreys Top Flight Rugby


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