Cory Allen is being offered a “fresh start” by the Ospreys, according to coach Steve Tandy.
Wales centre Allen is leaving the Cardiff Blues for the Liberty Stadium to replace Fijian Josh Matavesi, who will also move on at the end of the season to join Newcastle.
Allen, who has four Wales caps and scored a hat-trick of tries against Uruguay at the 2015 World Cup, has fallen out of favour at the Arms Park after an injury-plagued two seasons.
But the 24-year-old can revive his career with the Ospreys, insists Tandy who has already agreed to bring James Hook back to the region this summer.
“Along with Hooky, also arriving in the summer, we have two fresh options who will really increase competition in the squad, said Tandy.
“It’s going to be a really positive to have Cory around, he’s got some real qualities that will help us develop our game, while we will be good for him.
“It’s a fresh start for Cory. Our track record for developing players speaks for itself, not just home grown youth but under the radar players coming to us from other regions, people like Dan Evans and Sam Parry who have really grown in our environment, and this has undoubtedly played a part in his decision to join us.
“We see an exciting young talent that has already been recognised at international level, with huge potential, and he sees that we can help him to kick on to another level. He’s still a young man with the best part of his career still to come. He’s excited about the opportunity. He understands there’s a lot of hard work required from him as well, but this is a move which is good for both parties.
“Cory is someone I’ve always admired as a player. I like the way he plays the game, he’s physical and his post-contact work is excellent, how he can offload the ball. I think he can thrive in our environment and really kick-on with his career.
“We’ve got some variety in the centre position, and we are starting to build some real strength in depth in that position, but Cory will offer something different to our other options.”
Matavesi originally arrived at the Ospreys in the summer of 2014 from Worcester Warriors, since when he has scored 52 points in 70 games, including eight tries.
Andrew Millward, the Ospreys managing director, said: “Josh came to us to discuss an offer he had received from Newcastle for next season, the final year of his contract, which he wanted to take up. We considered his request to be released early from his contract and feel that with the depth we have in place here already and given Josh’s particular circumstances that it’s best for all parties to allow him to take up this offer.
“We currently have Ashley Beck, Ben John and Kieron Fonotia here competing for places, James Hook returning in the summer, and two exciting youngsters in Owen Watkin and Joe Thomas, along with the announcement today of Cory Allen, all competing for the two centre spots next year.
“We expect Josh to continue giving 100 per cent for us between now and the end of the season.”
Speaking about his return to the Premiership, a competition he knows well from his time with Exeter Chiefs and Worcester Warriors, Matavesi said: “Rugby is a short career and I’ve had an opportunity to secure the future for myself and my family, my wife and children which I felt I had to take.
“While I’m going to face a new challenge next season, my focus is entirely on the Ospreys and playing my part on what promises to be an exciting end of season. I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Ospreys and want to help ensure I end my three years on a high with everything to play for in two competitions.”
