 Filo Tiatia is planning a career in coaching |
Filo Tiatia will remain at the Ospreys until the summer of 2009. The ex-All Blacks back-row has agreed a new 12-month contract and follows Shane Williams and Lee Byrne who signed deals at the Liberty Stadium last week.
The 36-year-old said: "I'm pleased that I'll be finishing my playing days here, I can't think of a better place to be."
Ospreys coach Lyn Jones added: "Filo possesses great leadership ability and is a mentor and a positive influence to the youngsters in our squad."
Tiatia is at the stage of his career where he is considering life after playing.
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He admitted: "I'm aware that age is a factor for me now but I'll keep playing until my body says no and my brain says I've had enough.
"I'm know that I can't go on forever and that's why I've been working on developing my coaching skills with the Ospreys and Swansea.
"I've been fortunate enough to get valuable experience working with Swansea RFC as defence coach last season.
"I've also helped in a small capacity with the Ospreys U20 side this season as forwards coach while trying to get as many qualifications as I can."
The former New Zealand international signed for the Ospreys in the summer of 2006 after spending four years playing for Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.
Jones hailed Tiatia's impact and said: "He has vast experience and has enjoyed something of an Indian summer this season.
"But it is off the pitch where we see the real benefit of what he has to offer.
"I know that his long-term ambition is to move into coaching and he has all the attributes to be a top quality coach."
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