New Ospreys deal for Gough

32-year old Gough signed for the Ospreys from Newport Gwent Dragons in the summer of 2007, agreeing a three-year contract that ran until the end of the 2009/10 season. His form in an Ospreys shirt has been such that the region has moved swiftly to secure his future, with the former Pontypridd lock this week signing a two-year extension to his existing deal.

Gough's arrival at the Liberty Stadium was delayed due to his involvement in Wales' 2007 Rugby World Cup squad, with his Ospreys debut coming against Edinburgh in October that year. He has gone on to become a key squad member, making 33 appearances to date.

Capped by Wales at every level from youth through to the senior side, he has 55 full Welsh caps and has become an integral member of the Welsh pack. He missed just one of the 11 internationals during 2008, starting every game in the Grand Slam campaign as well as the victory over Australia in November.

Speaking after signing his new contract, Gough said:

"I'm delighted to extend my contract for another two years, and I'm looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead for both the Ospreys as a team, and for myself personally. We've got a ground breaking and forward thinking set-up here, and as an organisation we are constantly pushing the boundaries on and off the pitch. I'm optimistic that there's a bright future ahead and I'm just pleased that the coaches see me as being part of it. I had no hesitation in extending my time here.

"I'm excited about our prospects, I'm really enjoying my rugby at the moment and I'm relishing the challenges that being part of such a strong squad brings on a daily basis."

Ospreys coach Jonathan Humphreys added:

"It's great news that Ian will remain an Osprey until 2012. He is a player that I've admired for many years, and who I wanted to work with for some time before he signed for us. He epitomises everything that we want and expect from an Osprey, he is uncompromising on the pitch, but off it he is a role model and a credit to the region in the way he approaches everything he does.

"He has signed on for an additional two years, but hopefully, he will still be here beyond 2012 as I would like to see him spend the rest of his career as an Osprey."