Wales and Lions lock Beard to leave Ospreys

Ospreys have announced Adam Beard will leave at the end of the season, with the Wales lock expected to join French side Montpellier.

Beard is out of contract at the Welsh region this summer and is set to join the French Top 14 side, although the move is yet to be officially confirmed.

The 29-year-old, who has played 58 internationals for Wales and one Test for the British and Irish Lions, made his Ospreys debut as an 18-year-old in 2014 and has played 139 games for his home-city side.

Flanker Justin Tipuric is set to miss his home farewell before he retires at the end of the season.

Beard says it was difficult to decide to leave Ospreys having “loved” his time at the region.

“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,” he added.

“I have had lots of conversations with my family, friends and the coaches here, and feel like this is the right time to venture into a new challenge for myself and my family.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says Beard will be missed and hopes the next generation of locks can fill the void.

“Beardy’s influence has been ever present in his time at the Ospreys,” said Jones.

“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.”

Jones added that while Beard’s presence will be missed, Ospreys have “high hopes” for a number of younger locks at the region.

“His departure will provide an opportunity for those boys, along with any new additions we have, to step up as leaders,” he added.