RaboDirect PRO12
Ospreys bag O'Toole
ESPNscrum Staff
August 6, 2011
Canada's Chauncey O'Toole breaks free down the wing, Italy A v Canada, Churchill Cup, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, England, June 4, 2011
Chauncey O'Toole will hope to continue his impress run of form in an Ospreys jersey © Getty Images
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The Ospreys have bolstered their back-row resources ahead of the 2011-12 season with the signing of Canadian international Chauncey O'Toole.

O'Toole - who was one of the standout players in the 2011 Churchill Cup - will arrive in Swansea after the forthcoming World Cup as he has been named in Canada's 30-man squad for the 2011 showpiece.

The 25-year-old Canadian back-row - who spent some time with the Glasgow Warriors last season - will compete with Justin Tupuric for the openside berth. And O'Toole - who will line up for Canada against the US Eagles on Saturday - is looking forward to his move to the Liberty Stadium.

"I am really excited about joining the Ospreys, a team recognised as being one of the best in world rugby at developing players," O'Toole said. "I'm very grateful to have been given the opportunity by the region and can't wait to join up with the squad after the Rugby World Cup."

The Ospreys director of coaching Scott Johnson was delighted to have bagged his man and joins former London Irish back-row George Stowers in making the switch to the RaboDirect PRO12 side.

"To be able to secure Chauncey's services is a real boost for us ahead of the new season," Johnson said. "As an openside, he will provide real competition for Justin Tipuric and his flexibility and ability to play right across the back row provides another option.

"The sheer number of games in the season and the type of game we intend utilising means that it's going to be important to keep our loose forwards fresh so Chauncey will get plenty of game time.

"We've placed a real importance on the character of the individual in our recruitment this summer, and Chauncey is no different. Having spent time with him in Canada recently and got to know him, I can see that he will bring to the region the right desire, commitment and grit that we want our players to have as we move forward on and off the field."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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