The second-row has been a consistent performer since making his debut in 2014 but will now leave the Ospreys
Wales second-row Adam Beard will leave the Ospreys at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity abroad.
No destination has been revealed officially for the 58-cap Wales international, but it’s looking likely he’ll be joining French giants Montpellier ahead of next season. The 29-year-old, who has made 139 appearances for the Ospreys since his debut in 2014, has been strongly linked with the club this season, having been understood to have agreed terms with the Top 14 outfit back in November.
Mark Jones’ side have already been linked with a replacement for Beard.
The club are understood to be closing in on a deal for Queensland Reds captain and Wallabies squad member Ryan Smith. You can read more about that here.
Having come through the Ospreys’ pathway, Beard has proven to be a consistent performer for club and country.
As well as achieving over a half-century of caps for Wales, he also toured with the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa in 2021.
“I’ve loved my time at the Ospreys, which made this a really tough decision to make,” said Beard about his move.
“I grew up being an Ospreys supporter and I was lucky enough to have come through the academy system and then progress to the first team. To represent the club on so many occasions, makes me extremely proud.
“I have had lots of conversations with my family, friends and the coaches here, and feel like this is the right time to adventure into a new challenge for myself and my family.
“This is a great club, and I have enjoyed every second of playing here, from the training pitch to a game day.
“I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. This a special place that has played a hugely important role in where I am as a player, and person, today.
“I would like to thank all the players, coaches, staff and fans here at the Ospreys from over the years, for all the great times that will live with me forever.”
Beard is currently battling to come back from injury ahead of the end of the season, having missed the Judgement Day defeat to Cardiff after being forced off against Lyon in the Challenge Cup quarter-final the week before.
The Ospreys will be without No. 8 Morgan Morris and second-row Rhys Davies, who recently signed a new deal with the club, for the remaining three games.
However, head coach Jones will be hoping that both Beard and talismanic back-row Justin Tipuric – who is hanging up his boots at the end of the season to take up the role of defence coach – will be able to play some part between now and the end of the season.
Speaking about Beard’s departure, Jones said: “Beardy’s influence has been ever-present in his time at the Ospreys. He will leave a big hole as a player, a set piece expert, and a leader.
“The Ospreys have historically placed a high importance on having a strong front five and he has been a key contributor in that for a long time. He’s an elite professional, but most of all, a great person.
“While we’ll miss Beardy’s presence at the club, we have high hopes for a lot of our second rows that have come through the ranks recently. His departure will provide an opportunity for those boys, along with any new additions we have, to step up as leaders.”
