Big year awaits: Tom Prydie

Ospreys

- 2010/11 Season Preview -

Last season: The Ospreys took home the Magners title, winning the Grand Final against Leinster at Leinster, which is an impressive achievement. Unfortunately the Heineken Cup success they are hoping for still wouldn't come after they lost to Biarritz in mildly controversial circumstances. But perhaps it was rough justice, after they had sixteen men on the field at a crucial moment of their pivotal clash with Leicester. Then there was the issue with the fixture cancellation in the Magners League, with the Ospreys saying they didn't have enough props after sending all their players on holiday... it was a good season, but it was by hook and crook at times!

This season: They'll start their title defence on -4 points as a result of the fixture debacle so that's about as tough as it gets. But the Heineken Cup draw has been kinder this time, with a flagging Munster, rookies Toulon and London Irish in the Pool. It could be the turn of European success to come to Swansea, but much will rest on their ability to keep their squad fit, something that went horrifically wrong last season.

Coach: Scott Johnson has danced a cheerful path throughout world rugby. From Australia to Wales - where he was largely credited with bringing on the skills that won Wales the Grand Slam in 2005 - to a brief flirtation with the Welsh top job at the most difficult of times, back to Australia, then to the US Eagles and finally to the Ospreys, where he seems to have settled, if not actually signed a contract (all Johnson agreements are sealed with a handshake, nothing else). He's an enigmatic character with a mischievous sense of humour, but he is proving his worth as a Head Coach, rallying an injury-stricken squad through tough times last season and ultimately to glory.

Captain: Alun-Wyn Jones takes the armband from Ryan Jones, a sterling servant down the years. AW has long been the heir apparent to the national team coaching job as well, and also briefly led the B&I Lions during their 2009 tour to South Africa. He's quite a character off the field, having also served as finesmaster on that tour and been guilty of a few other more mischievous japes, but he's an inspiring figure on it, athletic and hard-working. Check pictures of him belting out his national anthem to see how much heart and soul he puts into every minute of rugby.

One to watch: Wings Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe are the obvious choices, but they've been around and watched for yonks. There's another wing in Swansea causing a stir though: Tom Prydie. Proud owner of his first Test try last year and an appearance down under against the All Blacks this June, Prydie is working his way up and as Shane Williams' tooth gets longer and longer, Prydie is the man slated to fill that number eleven jersey for seasons to come.

In: Dai Flanagan (Cardiff Blues), Richard Fussell (Dragons), Mefin Davies (Leicester Tigers), Morgan Allen (Pontypool).

Out: Ed Shervington (Worcester Warriors), Marc Breeze (London Welsh), Liam Davies (Dax), Ross Davies (Released), Jonny Vaughton (Released), Lyndon Bateman (Retired), Filo Tiatia (Retired).

Home ground: Liberty Stadium is a fantastic facility, but is rarely sold out and is not quite the formidable arena it could be. Why this is is not entirely sure, but it's perhaps the one thing the Ospreys miss out on: a tribal atmosphere. It holds 20,000 people - on big Heineken Cup days, it's pretty awesome.

Travel connections: Swansea is just down the M4 motorway from Cardiff, just down the main London-West Wales high-speed train line from Cardiff, and the nearest airport is Cardiff. But it's not Cardiff - don't make that mistake if you do go there!