Ospreys dismiss player rumours

Newspaper reports had linked Hook, who was due to feature in Friday's postponed Magners League match at Ulster, with a switch to the Welsh capital in the near future.

The 24-year-old British & Irish Lions tourist has lost out to youngster Dan Biggar for the Ospreys No10 shirt so far this season but Hook himself has always made it clear that he is happy where he is.

And the Ospreys today moved to reassure supporters that they have no intention of losing a crowd favourite.

A statement released by the region reaffirmed their position on Hook, while at the same time dismissing reports that Thomas would be moving to the Liberty Stadium to take on a player-coach role.

"The Ospreys today moved to quell media speculation regarding the future of James Hook and Gareth Thomas of Cardiff Blues," read the statement.

"Recent unsubstantiated reports have linked Hook with a move to the Blues, whilst a newspaper report today states that Thomas is considering an offer to join the Ospreys as player-coach.

"We would like to make it absolutely clear that James remains contracted to the Ospreys, and that Gareth has not been offered a player-coach role with the region.

"Not only is speculation such as this unhelpful, it can also be unsettling for all concerned, particularly at such an important time of the season."