Bishop signs new Ospreys contract

Bishop scored in Ospreys' EDF Energy Cup final triumph

Andrew Bishop has become the 13th player to commit his future to the Ospreys this year as the Wales cap signed a new four-year contract.

The centre has joined Welsh stars Gavin Henson, Jonathan Thomas, Shane Williams Lee Byrne and Huw Bennett in signing a new long-term deal at the Liberty.

"We have strength in the centre," said Ospreys coach Sean Holley.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Andrew providing real competition for Gavin Henson and Sonny Parker."

The 23-year-old, who made his Wales debut on the summer tour to South Africa, has established himself into a key member of the Ospreys squad since his debut in February 2005.

606: DEBATE Can Andrew Bishop become an established Wales international?

Bishop helped inspire the Ospreys to their EDF Energy Cup win last season as he scored in their final defeat of Leicester Tigers at Twickenham.

Bishop, a stalwart in the Welsh Under-21 Grand Slam victory in 2005, has played 76 games for the Neath/Swansea region and his potential was recognised when Wales coach Warren Gatland awarded him a Wales cap.

He won his full international debut coming off the bench during Wales' 37-21 second test defeat to South Africa in Pretoria.

"Although still a youngster, " said Holley. "Andrew has already proven his worth to the Ospreys and last season we really saw him starting to make an impact.

"He got his reward for an excellent year when he was called up for the South Africa tour and I'm sure that the experience will be of immense benefit for him this year as he looks to push on to the next level."

Bishop added: "It's obvious to everybody at the Ospreys that there are great things happening here, we've got a quality squad and great coaches, there's a real buzz about the place and we're confident about our chances for the new season.

"Last season was a fantastic one for me personally. I really made my mark in the side, had plenty of game time, made the Wales squad and now I want to build on that over the next four years.

"There are plenty of good centres at the Ospreys so I can't take anything for granted, but the situation is that the competition for places will benefit me, the Ospreys and will benefit Wales.

"With so many quality players pushing for two starting spots we're all pushing each other onto better things, as we realise that we have to work hard just to get near the squad."