As well as the four Under caps, the Ospreys have also agreed to allow Under 18 caps Calum Davies and Jordan Collier to continue to play with their home town club this season.
“I’m really pleased that Calum, Jordan and Dafydd will continue playing for Neath next season as part of their development to be Ospreys and international players. All three players are from the Neath area and are Neath supporters,“ said Phillips.
Howells has already won two senior Welsh caps on the 2013 summer tour to Japan and was a potent threat for the Wales Under 20 side in the Junior World Cup in New Zealand this summer. Evans is best remembered for his two tries in the Junior World Cup final of 2013, when Wales were pipped by England, and is also a Wales Sevens cap.
“I’m really happy to be at Neath for the upcoming season. I had a great two years at Bridgend with great players, coaches and supporters, but I am delighted with the new challenge at what is essentially my home club,” said Evans.
‘I’m from Glynneath, so I know a couple of the boys already and it’s always good to be playing with your mates. Hopefully, I can add to the back three options at Neath as I know they have quality players.
“When I first started playing rugby Patrick Horgan was one of my coaches at Cwmgwrach RFC, so I’m looking forward to being led by him again and helping the club climb back towards the top of the table where they belong.”
The Neath front row will certainly benefit from the addition of the 21-year-old Thomas, a specialist on the loose head side of the front row, and the strong ball carrying Otten. Thomas played for Wales at the 2012 an 2013 Junior World Cups and has spent time at both the Scarlets and Ospreys.
The 20-year-old Otten has already made four regional appearances at hooker for the Ospreys and has just signed a three year contract at the Liberty. He was first-choice at the Junior World Cup in New Zealand this summer and made 36 appearances for Swansea over the previous two seasons.
Teenage No 8 Davies returns to Neath for a third consecutive season after recently representing the Ospreys in the Premiership Rugby Sevens. He will be joined in the squad by fellow back row man Collier, voted ‘Best Newcomer’ at The Gnoll last season.
