Wales pair Anscombe and Lydiate confirm Ospreys exits

Wales duo Gareth Anscombe and Dan Lydiate have confirmed their departure from the Ospreys after their contracts expire.

While there’s no official word from the club, both players have taken to social media to break the news.

The duo played their last game for the region in a disappointing 21-38 loss to Cardiff on Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium over the weekend.

Despite being plagued by injuries, 35-year-old Lydiate hinted that there was more to come from him after nine years with the region. The former British & Irish Lions blindside returned from a 3-year Test-rugby hiatus to play for Wales in 2021, but hasn’t featured for Wales since playing against Argentina in the Autumn Nations Series.

In a tweet, he said, “My time as an Osprey has come to an end 2014-2023 people and friendships make a place, and the reason I do it all for is my crew.”

Anscombe, on the other hand, posted a picture on Instagram receiving his framed Ospreys shirt from team-mate Alex Cuthbert, writing: “let’s see what’s next.”

Although Anscombe only appeared in a handful of games this season due to injuries, French giants Racing 92 have been linked with his services in the past. Meanwhile, Lydiate’s future plans remain unknown.

Former Ospreys coach and current pundit Sean Holley has expressed concern over the team’s poor performance. The Toby Booth-coached side finished 13th in the United Rugby Championship, with just five wins to their name. Speaking on Scrum V, Holley said, “It’s quite painful for me and Hooky [fellow pundit James Hook], we live in the region, we speak to supporters, sponsors, they’re losing them. The style of rugby and the lack of wins is a real worry, and there’s something not quite right there.”

Despite their good performances in Europe, the team has struggled in the league, and Holley believes that’s where the team’s focus should be. “They’ve played well in parts, they have. The big win was Montpellier, couldn’t back it up unfortunately. Europe’s tough. It’s not that, it’s your bread and butter in the league, and that table isn’t lying at the moment,” he said.