Cockbain and Pugh have fallen down the Ospreys' pecking order

Cockbain, 32, who joined the Welsh region from the Celtic Warriors in 2004, had handed in a transfer request last June which the Ospreys rejected.

Pugh has been with the Ospreys since their formation in 2003, but has since fallen down the pecking order.

The 24-year-old will join London Welsh on loan until the end of November, before seeking a permanent club.

Cockbain is also likely to be in demand, as several clubs were interested in signing the 6ft 8in player when he signalled last summer that he was unsettled at the Liberty Stadium.

English Premiership club Sale Sharks are one team that was believed to have been interested in the former Pontypridd and London Irish player.

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Ospreys director of rugby Kevin Hopkins said: "Brent and Richie have both made sterling contributions to Ospreys rugby during their time at the region.

"But both of these players are now likely to have more limited playing opportunities and it has been agreed that it is best that they move on.

"We wish to thank them for their contribution to the region and wish them the best for the future.

"I am sure both of these professionals will find clubs at which they will make a positive impact."

Both players were left out of the Ospreys squad for the Heineken Cup when registration closed, as revealed by BBC Sport Wales on Thursday.

That means any prospective top-flight employers will not be able to register either player for European competition until after the pool stage.

Three locks have just returned to the Ospreys from World Cup duty, which is believed to have pushed Cockbain down the pecking order.

Pugh, a Wales Sevens cap, is surplus after the Ospreys signed former New Zealand back-row Marty Holah and Tonga flanker Hale T Pole.