Cheetahs tighthead Botha set to sign on at Ospreys

NEWS EXTRA

By ALEX BYWATER

OSPREYS will today confirm the signing of Toyota Cheetahs tight-head Tom Botha.

The powerful prop has been a long-term target for the Welsh region, but problems over a work permit led to a delay in his official transfer to the Liberty Stadium. Ospreys chiefs have identified the front-row as an area in need of strengthening with Moldovan prop Dimitri Arhip expected to join Montpellier for next season.

And despite the region currently being on the lookout for a new head coach after Steve Tandy was sacked last month, plans for next season are already in full swing.

Botha has represented the Cheetahs, Southern Kings and Western Province and is considered a destructive scrummager.

He is sure to be an impressive addition for whoever is in charge of the Ospreys for the 2018-19 campaign. With British & Irish Lions half back duo Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar departing the Liberty this summer, the Ospreys are in the middle of a rebuilding phase.

Allen Clarke has had success as interim head coach following Tandy’s departure, but it remains unclear whether he will fill the role as boss on a full-time basis.

Wales stars Scott Williams and Aled Davies have already committed their futures to the Ospreys after joining from arch rivals the Scarlets, while a number of senior players such as James King and Owen Watkin have signed new long-term contracts too.