Departing Jarvis made life-long friends in five years at Ospreys

The Exeter-born tight-head spent five years at Bath in the Premiership before moving to the Welsh region in 2011.

Five years on and the 30-year-old is leaving south Wales and heading for Top 14 action with table-topping Clermont Auvergne in France, next season.

The prop departs having made 14 appearances for Steve Tandy's side this season, helping them to an eighth-place finish in the Guinness PRO12 table, and said the region has a special place in his heart.

"I have struck up friendships that will last for the rest of my life," he said.

"All the boys have been great and so have the coaches and the supporters.

"I am particularly indebted to Adam Jones for the help he gave me and Richard Hibbard was brilliant as well.

"I will always have a soft spot for the Ospreys because they gave me a chance and helped me become a Wales international.

"I am leaving on good terms. Things just came to a natural end and there wasn't much else around in Wales. When the offer came in from Clermont, I jumped at it."

Jarvis' grandmother was born in Merthyr Tydfil, making him eligible for Wales, and he made his debut for Warren Gatland's men in 2012 after an impressive first season with Ospreys.

The region have replaced Jarvis with Scarlets tight-head Rhodri Jones and the departing front-rower is excited for the challenges that lie ahead on the continent.

"I have picked up a lot of experience over the years, with Wales and the Ospreys, and it will be a question of trying to use that good effect," added Jarvis.

"There will be no easy games, but that's how you want it to be.

"The whole family is moving out there and we are going to immerse ourselves in French life and culture.

"I have started to learn the language and both my son, who is four, and my daughter, who is two, will have the chance to pick it up.

"You have only one career and you have to ask how many people get the chance to move to a beautiful part of the world."

Follow the Guinness PRO12 on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the Guinness PRO12.