Ospreys sign Jarvis

The Welsh qualified tight-head prop will leave Bath at the end of the season to ply his trade in the Magners League after penning a three-year deal with the region.

The news comes amid increasing speculation over the future of current Ospreys tight-head Craig Mitchell.

Mitchell has started both of Wales' RBS 6 Nations clashes this season but is second in line at both club and country to Adam Jones, who is currently sidelined with an elbow injury.

24-year-old Jarvis made his Bath debut in 2006 and has gone on to make 49 appearances for the West Country giants but he sees the move to the Ospreys as a chance to further develop his career.

"I'm really excited about making this move to the Ospreys, I'm looking forward to it," said Jarvis.

"It's a big move for me, and a great opportunity. I just want to get stuck in and do a good job.

"There are a lot of quality props at the Ospreys, they seem to be doing a good job of developing players and that is an attraction for me.

"I want to improve as a player, that's the biggest motivation for me to make the move, but I'd also love to play for Wales one day and being at the Ospreys can only help me achieve that.

"The first priority for me though is to work hard, play well, and try to get into the Ospreys team and get some game time.

"I work hard, that's what I'm all about. I'll bring that to the Ospreys, along with my enthusiasm. I can't wait to get going."

Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore has revealed the Ospreys had been tracking the promising prop over the last 18 months after he impressed during an Anglo-Welsh cup tie last season.

"We've been following him for the last 18 months and we are delighted to be able to confirm his signing," said Hore.

"We were already aware of him before he made a huge impact against us in last season's LV= Cup, and the coaches here are looking forward to working with him.

"He comes to us highly recommended. He has a great character, he doesn't train like a number one, he always trains like a number two that wants to become number one, something that is very important to us.

"He has an excellent attitude and work ethic, is strong and has great technique. Crucially, he wants to develop as a player and a person, and we believe we can offer him the right environment to improve.

"Importantly, he is Welsh qualified, and he feels that being at the Ospreys is a good place for him to achieve his rugby ambitions."