Ospreys are set to confirm they have beaten off competition from close on half the clubs in the English Premiership to retain the services of Wales international Nicky Smith.
The battle for the 29-year-old’s signature has been long and hard-fought, with Exeter Chiefs linked to him and Bristol Bears, Saracens, Bath, Northampton and Gloucester also said to have been interested in a player who has 42 Wales caps.
But Smith is expected to this week give his home region a major boost by recommitting. A report in The Rugby Paper suggests that such a deal is already done. WalesOnline understands the news is likely to become official over the coming days.
