Young hooker signs up to the Ospreys

The 20 year-old, who has been in excellent form in the Principality Welsh Premiership this season, has signed a deal with the region that runs until the end of the 2011/12 campaign.

Ospreys coach Jonathan Humphreys, a former international hooker himself, welcomed Baldwin to the region, saying:

"We've been impressed by what we've seen of Scott with Bridgend and we believe that he possesses the raw potential to develop into a quality player. He has an excellent attitude to his work, he has the physical attributes to be a success and he is working hard with the conditioning and coaching teams to ensure that he continues to develop. He is delighted to be handed this opportunity, I know from working closely with him that he intends to make the most of it. We believe that we will get a good return from Scott over the next few seasons."

Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, commented:

"We are delighted to be able to recognise Scott's undoubted ability in the form of a long term professional contract. Whilst the Academy system that is in place is working well and is delivering players for the senior Ospreys team and the national set-up, it is definitely not the only way for a player to progress in the game.

"We accept that there will be individual cases of players who slip through the system for whatever reason, late developers and the like. The fact that we have recognised Scott's progress in the semi-pro game with Bridgend and have the confidence in him to bring him on board is a clear sign that we are working closely with the clubs in the region to monitor the talent that is available to us, and that if a player is good enough, he will be spotted and will get an opportunity."

Measuring six foot three inches and weighing in at more than 17 stone, the former Brynteg Comprehensive School pupil is the latest in a long line of sporting ex-pupils, following on from the likes of JPR Williams, Rob Howley, Dafydd James, Ospreys centre Gavin Henson and Olympic and World Champion cyclist Nicole Cooke.