“Although we have clearly underperformed this season, much of the reason for this is due to injuries to our key players. We know we are a much better side than our results have suggested and the return of players such as Ryan will lay the foundations to what I am sure will be a successful 2006/ 2007 season ,” said Ospreys’s joint managing director Mike Cuddy. “We are confident in the direction we are taking and key personnel are keen to commit themselves to the Ospreys. Ryan is one of these key players, and he approached us after the Lions tour at a time when other sides were expressing an interest in signing him.
“Since then it has proven to be a difficult time for Ryan and it is a measure of our commitment to him that we are extending his contract at this time. Ryan is the type of player that is always keen to work on his weaknesses and when he returns I am confident he will cement his position as one of the games leading back row players.
“We have had tremendous support since we focussed our playing activity on the Liberty Stadium. We now have a viable business and we are pleased that our supporters have stood by us through what has been a disappointing season.
“It is vital that more people get on board if we are to compete with sides such as Leicester and Toulouse and we are working through schemes such as the successful Junior Ospreys programme to make this happen. When we have 15-20,000 people watching us on a regular basis it will allow us to compete on a level playing field with these sides. Â
“The very best sides do not rely on benefactors to fund their success and this must be our aim over the coming seasons if we are to realise our full potential.”
