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Smith re-signs with Ospreys after u-turn
ESPN Staff
July 3, 2012
Tom Smith will play for the Ospreys next term despite agreeing to join London Irish © PA Photos
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The Ospreys' Tom Smith has re-signed with the Welsh region despite agreeing to join London Irish.

The Exiles announced Smith's signature back in February but the Ospreys have claimed that there has been a "change in circumstances" which means Smith will now remain in Wales. The Exiles have undergone huge change in their backroom staff with Toby Booth joining Bath and Brian Smith bringing in a whole new coaching set-up so that seems to be the likely reasoning behind Tom Smith's u-turn.

Smith claimed he was "delighted" to be staying with the Ospreys, after penning a new three-year deal, while the Ospreys' chief operations officer Andrew Hore claimed it was "fantastic news" for the region that Smith had re-signed.

"He is a real Ospreys stalwart and his experience and leadership is an asset to the organisation," Hore said. "Over the last 12 months or so we've had to make some very tough decisions for the long-term good of the business. However, because we didn't shirk these challenges we're now in a position where we are able to make decisions for the right reasons, rugby reasons.

"The move to re-sign Tom is an indication of the progress we've made and we all look forward to him continuing to have a real impact around our environment."

In related news, the Cardiff Blues have announced the capture of London Welsh scrum-half Rob Lewis.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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