Cockbain faces stiff competition at the Ospreys next season

Fellow Wales lock Ian Gough is set to join the Ospreys from the Dragons this summer, and Cockbain has been linked with a move in the opposite direction.

But he told BBC Sport: "There is no truth in this whatsoever and I don't know how this rumour came about.

"I've got another year left on my contract with the Ospreys and I'll be playing for them next year."

Following Gough's arrival at the Liberty Stadium, the Ospreys will have four current Wales second rowers on their books.

Competition for places was already tough with Alun Wyn Jones, who will partner Gough against Italy on Saturday, Ian Evans and Cockbain vying for the two second row places.

But 32-year-old Cockbain says he is relishing the challenge and sees no reason why he should look for new employers despite the interest from the Dragons.

He added: "Hopefully I'll be able to stay with the Ospreys for many more seasons to come."

Australian-born Cockbain joined the Ospreys in 2004 following the demise of the Celtic Warriors.

The 32-year-old missed the majority of last season after suffering a detached hamstring while winning his 22nd cap for Wales in the November Test against Fiji.

But he has since returned to full fitness and has been named as a Wales replacement for the second successive Six Nations match.