Magners League
Bearman confirms Ospreys switch
ESPNscrum Staff
March 28, 2011
Dragons flanker Joe Bearman looks for an opening, Dragons v Scarlets, Anglo-Welsh Cup, Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales, February 6, 2011
Bearman will swap the Dragons for the Ospreys next season © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Joe Bearman
Tournaments/Tours: Magners League
Teams: Dragons | Ospreys | Wales

The Ospreys have confirmed the signing of Dragons back-row forward Joe Bearman on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old makes the switch after five years at Rodney Parade having previously helped propel Cornish Pirates up the English National Leagues. Capable of playing at blindside or No.8, Bearman will join fellow new signings Kahn Fotuali'i and George Stowers in a revitalised Ospreys squad next season.

"I'm really looking forward to linking up with the Ospreys, this is an excellent opportunity for me to play top level rugby that I couldn't turn down," said the Welsh-qualified Bearman. "I've enjoyed five good years at the Dragons, but I felt that the time was right for a new challenge and a change of environment. There were four or five really good offers on the table but it was the Ospreys who really impressed me.

"The management at the Ospreys have a clear plan for what they want to achieve, and I really like what I've seen of the young talent that has been playing over the last couple of months. I've got a lot of experience that I can bring to this young squad, I've played a lot of rugby and I hope I'll be able to give that something extra to the group, including my ball carrying ability, something all teams need."

Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, welcomed the latest addition to his squad and tipped him to be a key figure in the coming seasons. "Joe comes to us with an excellent reputation for being an honest, hard working individual, who thrives on the physical side of the game and is particularly renowned for his ability to make the hard yards with ball in hand," said Hore.

"With his experience I've no doubt that he will prove to be a huge asset to the Ospreys environment, on and off the field. His signing is not just about what he brings to the team as a player, it is part of a bigger all round plan, to assist in the development of our younger players coming through. Joe leads by example, and displays all the characteristics that we want from our up and coming age-grade players."

Scrum-half Tom Isaacs has also signed a new two-year contract with the Welsh region.

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