Ospreys take ex-Wales centre Taylor

The Ospreys have confirmed the capture of former Wales centre Mark Taylor on a two-year contract.

Taylor, 34, has won 52 caps and will join the Welsh regional side from last season’s Guinness Premiership champions Sale Sharks.

The Ospreys have also confirmed a contract extension for their Wales international prop Duncan Jones through until May 2010, in addition to recruiting Neath centre Jonathan Spratt.

Ospreys head coach Lyn Jones said: “Jonathan has been a key member of the successful Neath side of the last few seasons, and he is a player of great potential.

“Mark is a consummate professional, and will bring us solidity at centre in World Cup year.

“When you sign more mature players it is about ensuring they still have the ability on the field, but also that they bring the right kind of influence to the squad, and Mark Taylor firmly fits the bill on both counts.”

Taylor is the third Wales international to join the Ospreys in recent days, following Cardiff Blues scrum-half Mike Phillips and Newport Gwent Dragons lock Ian Gough.