Phillips has already begun to make his mark on the wing for the Ospreys

The Ospreys have signed Academy players Ashley Beck and Kristian Phillips on professional contracts.

Beck, a centre, has signed until the end of the 2011-12 season, while wing Phillips has committed himself to the Ospreys until 2013.

Ospreys head coach Sean Holley is delighted to have secured the services of both 19-year-olds.

"They have shown their potential in the Welsh Premiership over recent seasons where they have adapted well," he said.

"This is just the first step on the ladder to a career in professional rugby for the two of them, who are two of a crop of talented backline players that we hope will become the next generation of Ospreys."

The home-grown duo are regulars in the Wales Under-20 squad and have already gained Magners League experience with the Ospreys.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to the two signings

Phillips holds the record for the youngest play to start a Magners League match, aged 17 years and 250 days when he faced Connacht for the Ospreys in May 2008, a game in which he also became the Celtic League's youngest try-scorer.

For his part, Beck is the youngest player to feature in a Magners League game, having come off the bench at the Liberty Stadium against Leinster in November 2007, aged just 17 years and 222 days.

Phillips has so far made six appearances in an Ospreys shirt, scoring two tries, while Beck has played seven times, with his first start coming as a replacement in Munster at the end of last season.

The pair have also caught the eye in the Welsh Premiership over the last 18 months, Beck with Aberavon and Phillips at Neath.

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