Photo via BBC Sport

Ospreylia: How Welsh club turned to a land down under

Ospreys have turned heavily toward Australia for reinforcements ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, potentially fielding a side that features one-third Aussie talent. Following lock Ryan Smith's move from Queensland in 2025 to replace Montpellier-bound Adam Beard, the Welsh region added Wallabies internationals Liam Wright, Marika Koroibete, and Lalakai Foketi, as well as playmaker Lawson Creighton.

Head coach Mark Jones explained on the Scrum V podcast that board approval for signings was delayed until May, forcing the staff to rapidly seek talent and ultimately prioritize a shared national background to foster instant chemistry and aid youth development amid the departures of Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake.

The strategy took shape when scouts repeatedly noticed Wright while evaluating match tape of Smith, leading Ospreys to build around their established friendship. Wright, a 28-year-old former Australia captain who crossed for a try during a warm-up match at Coventry, could even attract international attention from Wales in the future.

The newly assembled squad begins its United Rugby Championship schedule on Saturday, 26 September, with an away meeting against Sharks in Durban.