Huw Bennett is established as one of the leading hookers in Wales

The 24-year-old hooker, who has won 17 Wales caps, follows Filo Tiatia, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne who signed deals at the Liberty Stadium last week.

"I'm delighted to have re-signed, it's a great set-up here," Bennett said.

"We've got a good bunch of boys who have developed and grown up as a group and we are starting to reach our potential together."

Bennett has been with the Ospreys since the region was formed in the summer of 2003 and has gone on to make the number two shirt his own after overcoming injury problems.

606: DEBATE How do you rate Bennett's impact at the Ospreys?

"On a personal level, this new contract is a way of me saying thanks to the Ospreys for sticking by me when I had a serious neck injury four years ago," Bennett added.

"They looked after me when I had to have surgery, re-signing me on a new contract because they had faith in me at a time when it was touch and go.

"For a hooker, a neck injury can cause real problems and is career-threatening because you never know how it's going to react until you get back to action in the front row, so I appreciate the faith they showed in me at the time."

Bennett had to withdraw from Wales' starting XV for last weekend's Triple Crown-clinching win in Ireland because of flu.

But he is in contention to play in this Saturday's Grand Slam decider against France in Cardiff.