Ospreys prop Nicky Smith signs new deal with the region

Wales prop Nicky Smith has signed a new four-year contract with Ospreys.

The 21 year-old loose head is currently in Wales' 47-man World Cup training squad, which will be cut to 31 at the end of August.

Swansea-born Smith, who won his two Wales caps in November 2014, says he is "really pleased" with the deal.

"I'm really grateful to everyone at the Ospreys for giving me the chance and for allowing me to secure my long-term future with my home region," he said.

Smith, who has made 26 appearances for Ospreys, scoring two tries, added: "I've still got a lot of hard work to do as I realise that I've not really achieved anything yet.

"I'm still very young and learning the game.

"If I can stay fit, keep working hard and improving, hopefully I'll get more game time and be able to establish myself as an Osprey."

The Swansea-based region have so far signed four new players for the 2015-16 season.

Wing Kristian Phillips, , ex-New Zealand scrum-half Brendon Leonard, Welsh back-row Gareth Delve and prop Paul James are the new additions.

Smith hopes he can learn off Wales front-row James in particular.

"This is a great place for youngsters to develop," said Smith.

"There are quality players all around you when you are working every day.

"I'm really looking forward to learning off Paul James as well, as I know I've got a long way to go."

Ospreys rugby general manager Andrew Millward, said: "Nicky is another example of the hard work being done behind the scenes to develop the best home grown talent, and he has earned this new deal on the back of a lot of hard work.

"The next challenge for him is to build on that, especially now that he isn't going to be an unknown quantity for other teams, to ensure he reaches his full potential over the coming seasons."