By Graham Thomas
South African international JJ Engelbrecht has begun talks to extend his stay with the Ospreys.
The centre – who helped the Ospreys to a 27-13 victory over Edinburgh on Friday night – signed a short-term deal until the end of the season after arriving from Japanese club Toyota Industries Shuttles.
But after only three games in Wales, the Ospreys are keen to keep hold of the 26-year-old who played alongside Springbok legend Jean de Villiers when winning 12 caps, before being dropped by the Boks two years ago.
“It’s a pretty good possibility that I will stay with the Ospreys into next season,” said Engelbrecht, who was signed after the region lost Wales international Ashley Beck to long term injury.
“At the moment, I’m in negotiations with the guys here. I am still contracted to my club in Japan, but nothing has been finalised yet. We are still talking.”
Engelbrecht was part of an Ospreys side that came from 13-6 down against Edinburgh for a win which has taken them into the top six of the Pro12 for the first time this season.
Now, the former Bulls Super 15 player is already looking towards helping the region secure European Champions Cup qualification for next season as well as a play-off place.
“I want to challenge myself in northern hemisphere rugby. The Ospreys were pretty keen from the start to get me on board and the kind of rugby they play is exciting and will fit my game.
“Before I came here, I thought the rugby would be a lot more forward-dominated. But I have to say that we move the ball around quite a bit more than I expected.”
Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy said: “We haven’t flogged JJ and given him too much detail. We’ve let him be himself around some aspects and just given him the framework of what we try to do.
“But you can see if he gets one-on-one opportunities things can happen. He’s gifted athletically with his speed and movement, and while he’s still getting up to speed with much of what we do, he has fitted in well.”
