Parry prepared for challenge of replacing Hibbard

The 22-year-old hooker has moved to the four-time PRO12 champions from Newport Gwent Dragons, for whom he made 15 PRO12 appearances last season.

Parry has twice been called up to train with Wales and will be competing with Scott Baldwin, Scott Otten and Matthew Dwyer for the number two jersey vacated by British & Irish Lions tourist Hibbard.

And while Parry accepts he is unlikely to start the season as first choice, he is determined to work his way to the top.

"Richard was awesome for the Ospreys, so the goal will be to try to emulate what he's done. It's about being aggressive with ball in hand and working hard," Parry told the South Wales Argus.

"I just like carrying the ball and being a nuisance in the contact area, defending and trying to get as many turnovers as I can.

"Of course it will be hard for us to replace Richard. He's a Lions hooker who has done a huge amount in the game. But there are still some good hookers here.

"I'd say I'm at the bottom of the pile at the minute, so it will be up to me to work hard in pre-season and then carry that into the campaign itself. Initially it will be about trying to be involved in the squad."

Parry was capped four times by Wales U20s but remains uncapped at senior level and he hopes playing alongside the internationals already at the Ospreys will push him on to the next level.

"I'm still learning the game and I'm hoping my move to the Ospreys will help on that front," he added. "I need to develop my leadership and take charge of situations.

"That said, it will be good to play alongside experienced players such as Duncan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones, watch what they do and learn from them. If you can't learn off those guys you won't learn off anyone."

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