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Announcement imminent on Justin Tipuric's future after being linked with numerous high-profile clubs
Star Wales loose forward Justin Tipuric is set to make an announcement on where his playing future lies after admitting that it’s “an honour” to be linked with a raft of high-profile clubs.
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The long-serving Ospreys openside flanker is off-contract at the end of the 2019-20 domestic season, and is regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever players after having made more than 150 appearances for the Swansea-based outfit.
Following the recent World Cup in Japan, Tipuric was linked with a £500,000-per-year move to Premiership side Bristol, but it’s a rumour that has been shut down by his representatives.
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With 73 tests, two World Cup tournaments and a pair of British and Irish Lions tours to his name, the 30-year-old would command a hefty salary wherever he lands next season, which could well be outside of Wales as he will still be eligible to play for the national side after having met the union’s 60-cap threshold.
However, Tipuric maintains no decision has yet been made.
“A decision will be made in a few weeks or so,” he said. “There has not been a decision made yet.
“At the minute I am just happy being back and back with the family after being away for so long
“There are a lot of things it comes down to.
RFU chief Bill Sweeney on the contract situation of England's Eddie Joneshttps://t.co/nFH57nPB2k
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 17, 2019
“In the background you have to make sure you are happy and ticking everything off.
“One thing I have always said is that I want to play rugby with a smile on my face. If I can keep doing that then I will be happy.
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“I hear rumours and stuff. I am not into the social media side of it which is probably a good thing.
“I have people coming up to me and say I am signing for all sorts of clubs and it’s a bit crazy.
“To be rumoured with such high [profile] clubs is an honour.”
Tipuric is expected to return to action for Ospreys this weekend after an extended break in the wake of Wales’ World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions South Africa in October.
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This Saturday could mark his first appearance for the club this season, when Ospreys host rivals Cardiff Blues at Liberty Stadium.
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