Wales winger Eli Walker extends contract with Ospreys
Friday 27 November 2015 11:02, UK
Eli Walker has committed himself to the Ospreys by signing a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2017.
The 23-year-old winger's previous deal ran out at the end of the current season, but the Welshman has agreed a new one-year extension.
Walker has been in fine form with three tries in his last three games, including against Clermont Auvergne in the 34-29 Champions Cup defeat last Sunday.
Walker said: "This is the place I've always wanted to be, it's where I played my rugby as a youngster and where I see my future.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster for me these last few months but I'm back playing for the Ospreys and really looking forward to making an impact over the remainder of this season and next year as well.
"I'm in the right environment to get the best out of me, I'm looked after well here and I feel it's the place I need to be achieving my ambitions as a player.
"Things have been going well the last few weeks for the team and for me personally and hopefully we can all keep working hard and improving as a group to get to where we need to be this season."
Andrew Millward, Ospreys general manager, said: "This is something that will excite all Ospreys supporters as Eli is a young man who has come through our system and takes enormous pride in representing his home region.
"He burst onto the scene as a teenager, but like plenty of youngsters in his position has had to deal with fitness issues that have held him back. He has adjusted his routine and matured, both physically and as a rugby player, and we are seeing the benefits on the field.
"He has the next 18 months to continue working hard, keep developing, and making an impact in the Ospreys shirt, and if he does that then supporters will be able to enjoy seeing him scoring tries for the region for many years to come."
Walker came through the ranks as a youth player at the club, before making his senior debut as an 18-year old coming off the bench in a win over Aironi in September 2010.
He has scored 17 tries in 59 Ospreys appearances and made his debut for Wales against Ireland this summer in a World Cup warm-up and belatedly made it to the tournament as injury cover.