Today's rugby news as club make big Ospreys stadium announcement and Welsh star almost quit

These are your rugby headlines on Tuesday, May 14.

Neath make Ospreys stadium announcement

Neath RFC have announced the Gnoll will not become the Ospreys' new permanent home.

The famous ground had been one of three options being seriously considered by the Welsh region, who plan to leave the Swansea.com stadium in 2025. The final choice is now between St Helen's in Swansea and the Brewery Field in Bridgend, with a decision expected imminently.

News of Neath's removal from the picture came via a statement from the Welsh Premiership club on Monday night. It read: "The Ospreys will not be playing at our ground next season or thereafter. This was after representatives from both sides met.

"We wish Swansea and Bridgend all the best in securing that contract when Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley makes his long-anticipated announcement."

The Ospreys believe a move to a smaller stadium will "transform" the region's matchdays and make them more financially viable. Bradley has previously said he hopes to make an announcement in this month.

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Grace nearly quit

Regan Grace says he nearly quit rugby after suffering a number of setbacks during his recovery from injury.

The rugby league legend swapped the 13-a-side game when making the switch from St Helens to Racing 92.

But a ruptured Achilles wrecked his time in Paris and meant he never got to pull on the Top 14 side’s shirt.

He left the French capital and linked up with English Premiership side Bath, initially on a short-term contract before a year-long deal was signed last month.

Bath have one game of the regular season left when the face Northampton Saints on Saturday before the play-offs get under way.

Grace says there were times during his recuperation when he thought about throwing the towel in.

“There’s been a few times during the rehab where I just thought I should just give up, because not only did I have the Achilles (injury) but during the rehab journey I’d have little niggles, hamstrings and stuff," he told BathRugbyTV. After working so hard and getting knocked back I just felt like giving up but I’m so glad that I kept pushing and actually chasing the goal that I wanted to achieve and I’m so glad I’m at this point now where I’ve signed for Bath and I’ve got an opportunity to go and play in the Prem.”

“Tough times like that, they test you as a character,” he added. “I think I’ve learned a lot physically and mentally during this journey.”

Florence pens new deal

Tom Florence has signed fresh terms with the Ospreys.

The 21-year-old, who has made 11 appearances for Wales Under-20s, came through the ranks at Bridgend Athletic.

He made his debut for the Swansea-based region against the Sharks in Durban in November 2022.

Speaking on the new deal, Florence said: “I’m really happy to be continuing my career with the Ospreys. It’s a club that feels like home for me and I’m an excited to continue growing here and contributing in any way I can.

“There’s a great group of boys here, I’ve grown up with a lot of them and I’m looking forward to the future with this team.

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said: “Tom is a player that we believe has a lot of potential, he’s shown glimpses of that in his opportunities with Wales u20s and Swansea RFC.

“He is a physical back with some unique qualities and if he can utilise those qualities, he has the capability to become an important player for the Ospreys.”

Skivington has backing

Gloucester chief executive Alex Brown says under-fire director of rugby George Skivington still has the club's backing.

The Cherry & Whites were humiliated at the weekend, losing 90-0 to league leaders Northampton Saints in a display slammed by fans and pundits alike.

The conceded 14 tries in the process and comes juts two weeks before they take on Sharks in the Challenge Cup final.

Brown, though, says Skivington has the club's support.

"It’s never as simple as 'change will fix things', I think we’ve got to look at it as a whole and we will do that over the summer," Brown told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"We’ve got a busy two weeks - we’ve got to get this European final right.

"We’re going to have a review but, going into next season, George is under contract and I’m not going to talk about suggestions on anything [to do] with his employment."

He added: "I can say that George is an excellent coach and the group around him, the coaching staff, are also equally excellent.

"We have a job to do to make sure there is a pride within the shirt. I don’t think we saw some of those bits on the weekend and we’ve got to address that for sure."

Sykes signs extension

By PA Sport Staff

Edinburgh lock Marshall Sykes has signed a two-year contract extension.

The 24-year-old Scotland international has made 19 appearances this season and 60 in all since joining from Glasgow four years ago.

Sykes was “absolutely thrilled” to extend his stay and told Edinburgh’s website: “The club and city have become a real home for me, and I’m excited to be a part of what’s to come in the next two years.

“There’s a real sense of togetherness here and I take a huge amount of pride every time I get to pull on the Edinburgh jersey.

“Sean (Everitt) has been brilliant since he came in and I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far this season. The boys are giving their all and you can see that in our performances. We’ll be leaving nothing out there with two huge games to come at this business end of the campaign.”

Head coach Everitt added: “Re-signing Marshall is fantastic news for the club. He brings a never-say-die attitude to the pitch, and his work rate is phenomenal. He’s a real competitor and always gives his all for the team.

“He consistently puts in the extra yards and that’s exactly the kind of attitude we need to succeed. Marshall will continue to be a big player for us in the years to come.”