The Ospreys have confirmed the departure of seven players, including Wales and Lions wing Alex Cuthbert, at the conclusion of the current season. This decision was announced in advance of the team’s final home fixture against the Dragons this weekend.
Cuthbert, who sustained a hamstring injury in March, will be departing the Ospreys after a three-season tenure with the club. His future destination remains uncertain, as he had previously been associated with a move to Japan before his injury.
In addition to Cuthbert, the list of departing players includes versatile back Mat Protheroe, wing Toby Fricker, back-row Will Hickey, and scrum-half Cam Jones. George North and Nicky Smith are also set to leave the Ospreys at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. North is expected to join the French team Provence, while Smith is heading to the Leicester Tigers.
Protheroe, who arrived from Bristol in 2020, was anticipated to have a significant impact with the Ospreys. During his time with the club, he made 41 appearances and scored seven tries. Fricker, who joined from Bristol Bears, made only one appearance for the Ospreys, while Hickey, a former Leinster U19s captain, had been on loan with the Cheetahs in South Africa.
Jones, who is not to be confused with the prop of the same name, joined the Ospreys in August. A former Scotland U20s player who is also Welsh-qualified, he had previously been part of Edinburgh’s and Glasgow Warriors’ setups.
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth expressed his gratitude to the departing players, acknowledging the contributions they have made to the club. He stated, “This part of the season is always a tough time, especially when you have to say goodbye to players that have given a lot to the club over the years. We wanted to get this announcement out prior to our last home fixture so that our supporters could join us in thanking the boys for everything they’ve contributed in an Ospreys jersey.”
The full list of departures from the Ospreys for the 2023/24 season includes Alex Cuthbert, Toby Fricker, Will Hickey, Cam Jones, George North, Mat Protheroe, and Nicky Smith.
As the Ospreys bid farewell to these players, there is no doubt that their contributions will be remembered, and their absence will be felt. This summer will mark a significant period of change for the team as they look to fill the void left by these departures.