McCusker signs two-year deal

The experienced Wrexham born Welsh international joined the Ospreys last summer having previously played for the Scarlets and London Irish and has quickly proven to be an influential figure in the camp.
 
Having missed most of pre-season, he had to wait until the end of October for his full Ospreys debut, in the away win over Lyon, going on to feature 11 times over the next three months and captaining the team on three occasions.
 
An ankle injury sustained in the bonus point defeat of Wasps at the start of February ruled him out for the season, by which time he had already earned an extended stay, keeping him at the Liberty until 2019.
 
With a wealth of experience to his name from a 13-year professional career, McCusker says he is thriving on being in a new environment.
 
“I’m chuffed, obviously, from where I was last summer coming in on a short term basis originally. It was a pretty strange to start with, giving my time spent down the road, but I settled in quickly and it feels as though I’ve been here a lot longer than I have already.
 
“I took a little while to get going having started pre-season late but I was pleased to be so involved so quickly, playing regularly. To pick up an injury when I did, at the start of the Six Nations period, was particularly frustrating as that was the time of year I was brought in to specifically add my experience.
 
“There’s no point dwelling on it, the end of the season came just a little bit too quickly for me but I’m up and running with a good block of training under my belt and I’m looking forward to getting a good pre-season in this summer.
 
“I know where I fit into this group and what my role is, to try and help the young boys develop while competing hard to be involved, and be ready when required. It’s a positive environment with plenty of competition for places and I’m really looking forward to getting going again.”
 
Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said McCusker has an important role to play as a senior figure in the squad.
 
“He’s been great for us on and off the field over the last year, since coming in late on ahead of the season, and has earned this new contract,” said Tandy.
 
“He’s got huge experience and a great attitude about everything he does. He understands the game and can be a huge influence within our environment.
 
“He’s in good nick, he’s been working hard to get back to full fitness. With the benefit of a full pre-season behind him will be ready to hit the ground running later this month.”