Openside flanker Cross has won two caps for Wales and was also part of the Team GB Sevens side in the 2016 Rio Olympics where he won a silver medal. “The Ospreys gave me the chance to make the switch from Sevens to Fifteens and with a lot of work I feel I have made that transition and now want to kick on and establish myself as a Fifteens player and an Osprey,” said Cross.
“I have moved to the region, have made some good friends on and off the field, and I feel we have a young and exciting squad and am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together. I have put a lot of work in here since coming in from the Sevens programme and have been gaining in experience and am nearly at 50 games for the region now.
“It has been a tough season this year, with injuries and off field distractions, but it feels like we have turned the corner and there are exciting times ahead.” His re-signing follows on from the appointment of Toby Booth, as the new Head Coach of the Ospreys and the re-signing of Ospreys captain and Wales and Lions flanker Justin Tipuric last week.
Dan Griffiths, Ospreys Rugby General Manager, underlined the role Cross has played for the Osprey since he signed and how his versatility has proved invaluable this season. “It’s a long season in the Pro14, especially with international windows which put tremendous pressure on your playing resources,” said Griffiths.
“Sam has played over 49 games over the last 3 seasons, and has shown what an asset he is to the squad with both his versatility and durability. Sam is a real character who brings energy to the group, and he has approached the transition from Sevens to the 15 man game with the same appetite and enthusiasm.
“He understands the need to keep improving, and works hard for his place and for his teammates. It’s important to have guys in your squad that add value and contribute on and off the field, and Sam has definitely brought that in his time at the club.”
