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'I'm delighted to have secured my future ' - Ospreys confirm Anscombe capture

Gareth Anscombe with some Wales team-mates (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Gareth Anscombe will leave Cardiff Blues at the end of the season to join their Guinness PRO14 rivals Ospreys.

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The Wales fly-half, 27, had been offered a new contract by Blues and also been linked with English clubs Harlequins, Bath and Bristol.

“I’m delighted to have secured my future to play professional rugby in Wales and to be joining the Ospreys. I am very happy to finally be able to put pen to paper during what’s been an unsettling time and commit to staying in Wales,” Anscombe told Ospreys’ official website.

“I know a lot of the boys from my time with the Wales team and they can’t speak highly enough of the spirit and ambition within the Region, which really excites me.

“I’ve been impressed with the vision and the long term goals of the coaches and Region as a whole and I would like to thank them for supporting my dream to continue playing pro rugby in Wales and, if I am playing well enough, to play for my country.”

Anscombe’s contract with Blues expires in the summer, while his decision to join Welsh regional rivals Ospreys means he will still be eligible to represent Wales.

He signed a national dual contract (NDC) with the Welsh Rugby Union when he joined Blues from New Zealand side Waikato Chiefs in 2014.

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NDCs have been replaced by a new player banding pay system by the WRU, with wages and categories set by the new Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and Anscombe’s appeal against his pay banding had been rejected.

Anscombe, Wales’ first-choice fly-half during their 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam, would not have been eligible to play for Wales had he moved out of the principality as he has not played in 60 Tests.

He made his debut for Wales in 2015 – he qualifies due to his Welsh mother – and has established himself as their first-choice number 10 after winning 26 caps. He has scored 597 points in 76 appearances for Blues.

PA

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Hellhound 42 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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