Ospreys: Wales' James King signs new three year deal

Ospreys back row forward James King has signed a new three-year contract with the Swansea-based region.

King's previous deal was due to expire at the end of the forthcoming campaign.

The 24-year-old from Mold in north Wales is currently in Wales' 47-man World Cup training squad, which will be cut to 31 at the end of August.

"Obviously it's great news for me, I'm really pleased to have got this contract sorted nice and early," said King.

"It means that I can just focus on rugby for the next three years, and it's good not to have any distractions.

"There's intense competition for places at the Ospreys, particularly in the positions I play, so I consider myself fortunate to have had so many games over the last few seasons.

"That competition is what's needed if we want to keep building on what we have done over the last few seasons. It's an exciting time for the Ospreys."

Ospreys 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.

King, who made 27 appearances for the region in 2014-15 scoring one try, is the latest player to commit his future to the highest ranked Welsh region.

Props Nicky Smith and Dimitri Arhip, hooker Matthew Dwyer, back row Joe Bearman and wing Tom Grabham, have all signed new deals since the start of 2015.

King has been at the Liberty Stadium since he was 18, winning three Wales caps.

He has played second row and on both flanks of the pack for Ospreys.

This versatility is what the Welsh side needs to increase competition amongst their pack according to Ospreys rugby general manager, Andrew Millward.

"If we want to be successful, we have to have quality players competing in every position," he said.

"James certainly fits the bill when you talk about quality and it is excellent news that he has signed for another three years.

"A great professional and an outstanding athlete, with a real desire to succeed, he is always pursuing excellence and refuses to compromise on the standard expected of himself and others.

"His consistency is an example to his teammates, whatever number he has on his back."