James Goode won the Grand Slam with Wales Under-21 in 2003

The Ospreys have alleviated their second-row injury crisis by signing ex-Blues lock James Goode, 27, on trial.

The ex-Wales Under-21 Grand Slam winner has spent the last three years playing Air NZ Cup rugby with Manawatu Turbos and was linked with a Blues return.

"With the number of international calls and injuries we felt that we need some cover," said Ospreys coach Sean Holley.

Ian Gough and Filo Tiatia joined the region's long injury list after the 17-19 loss to Northampton on Thursday.

Locks Andy Lloyd, Conor McInerney, Lyndon Bateman, Ian Evans and Richard Kelly were already out, with Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas and Ryan Jones with the Wales squad.

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"I was coming back to the UK to look for a new opportunity," said Goode, who came through the ranks at Cardiff Blues, making 15 appearances before heading to New Zealand in 2007.

"I only touched down in the UK on Tuesday and almost straight away I had a call from my agent telling me the Ospreys were looking for a lock and were interested in taking me on trial.

"I originally went out to New Zealand on an off-season trip in 2007, but enjoyed it so much I went back in 2008 and stayed out there for two seasons.

"I think it's only about six of the current All Black squad that's over here now that I haven't played against over the last few seasons.

Ian Gough injured his ribs in the defeat to Northampton Saints

"I'm pleased that the Ospreys have given me an opportunity to prove myself here, now I've got to do what I can to convince them to make it a longer-term thing."

The Ospreys have 12 players on international duty and a further 16 were on the casualty list before the Northampton game.

Barry Davies then withdrew with a back injury before kick-off, while Richard Hibbard, Gough and Tiatia were hurt in the match.

"Filo's definitely out [against Bath next week]," said Holley after Thursday's defeat at the Liberty Stadium. "Hibbard we'll have to assess and see.

"I can't see Ian Gough fronting up next week. I don't think it's serious or long term but ribs take a long time to heal.

"With the situation we're in at lock we have to wrap him up.

"[But] next week the pressure's off and they can just go and play."

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