Rugby Update: Richard Fussell- From Dragon to Ospreys
The 26-year old Richard Fussell has signed a two year contract extension with Ospreys at Liberty Stadium, after his impressive debut season. He has to remain with the club till the summer of 2014. Fussell has been consistent with his performance throughout
the Magners Cup. Richard Fussell who executed his seventh try for Ospreys this season in massive 60-17 win over Scarlets told, “I’m over the moon.” He seems very delighted to recommit himself.
Richard Fussell a Welsh Rugby Union player hails from Bedlinog, a mountain top village. He started his junior rugby from Nelson and was elected for Pontypridd RFC in 2001, after he had represented Ebbw Vale. He earned international honours to his name for
Wales at under17, under18 and under19 stages. The fleet footed, try scoring winger gave some eye catching performances and paced up his journey to the top tier of Welsh rugby. He was called to the senior squad of Pontypridd in 2002. With five extraordinary
touchdowns in five successive matches, Fussell proved that he rightly deserved this promotion. After confirming his place in the club, Fussell registered 21 tries in 46 appearances for Pontypridd. The Welsh winger left the club in 2005 and was signed by Newport
Gwent Dragons.
The ex- Dragons winger has been one of the most dependable players this season. Fussell initially moved from Rodney Parade in the summer on a two-year contract, but has changed his mind and agreed to hang about Ospreys till 2014 summers. This contract is
exoneration of his verdict to leave Newport Gwent Dragons. A plenty of eyebrows have been raised at this decision.
Ospreys already have an international pool of wings including Nikki Walker, Kristian Phillips, Tommy Bowe, Tom Prydie and Shane Williams. Critics think that ex- Pontypridd star will struggle for game time. Anyways, he has already made 13 start appearances
out of 15, including the significant double header against Munster at Heineken Cup.
Moving west was the best decision he ever made and he thinks the same for himself too.
"It just shows the faith that the coaches have in me to do my job on the field and as a player you can't ask for anything more.”
said Fussell. He loves his time at Ospreys and he believes in his ability to prove himself yet again as the most dominant winger on field. He added,
"My job is to score tries for the Ospreys and its one thing I enjoy doing, but consistency is the big factor for me now.” Russell is working hard in training sessions to improve his game. Richard Fussell’s work ethic has by now made him a most wanted
with the Ospreys’ fans and also brought in praise from the region’s coaching squad.
Head Coach Sean Holley truly believes in his abilities and attitude and appreciated him on pushing his game forward in this season. Sean Holley said,
"Fussell suits our style of play and has adapted to it really quickly; we're delighted with him.” Sean Holley affirmed that Richard is not a back up winger; he is real threat to the opposition even in the absence of Shane Williams.
Holley further said, “He’s an individual who has a very mature approach to his profession and he adds value to the team and to our environment. Hopefully he will continue to grow with us."
The best thing about Fussell that would suit any club is the young age and high potential. This means the player has a lot of time to polish his game, while delivering his current talent and with time build loyalty to the club.
On the other hand, Shane Williams is still recovering from his shoulder injury. His dislocated shoulder is expected to be get back to its original position on time, allowing the Wales wing to play on 22nd January. Holley has confirmed that Williams
will be available for Heineken Cup group Finale against Toulon. Lee Byrne, the full-back is also ready for his return against Leinster in Dublin, for the Magners League. Byrne suffered through thumb injury and is in perfect condition to play now.
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