Ospreys Captain Named

Former British Lion Barry Williams will captain the Neath-Swansea Ospreys next season.
Williams retired from international rugby in May, having played the last of his 24 caps two years previously. He had been expected to be selected for the summer tour of Argentina and South Africa, but his retirement paved the way for young Ospreys teammate Huw Bennett to play all three Tests.
Ospreys coach Lyn Jones said Williams had performed well as captain last season after taking over from Scott Gibbs in January.
“Barry stood up and was counted last year after his mid-season appointment as captain,” Jones said.
“Some would go so far as to say that he led us out of the quagmire we were in. He proved that he is the right man for the job.
“Barry played 30 games for the Ospreys last season, and gave 100 percent on every occasion. He is a proud Osprey and the type of inspirational Captain who leads from the front”
Williams, who hasn’t ruled himself out of contention for next year’s British Lions tour after going on the 1997 trip to South Africa, added: “It was an honour to be appointed as captain last season and I am delighted to have an opportunity to continue the job.
“We have made huge strides forward and with the recruitment over the summer months we will be a much more competitive side this year.
“We are pulling together a squad with a fantastic work ethic, and it is a pleasure to lead such a great group of players. We now need to ensure we get the results to repay the commitment of everyone involved.”