Tributes paid to Tiatia

Former All-Black Tiatia is to retire from playing at the end of the current campaign to concentrate on his coaching role with the region, and with the final game of the regular season coming up against the Dragons, he is getting to ready to say his farewells to the Ospreys supporters.

A win against the Dragons should cement a home semi-final the following weekend, with a potential final at the Liberty Stadium to follow two weeks later, but Tiatia has already indicated that he is ready to say goodbye to the fans this Friday, should it prove to be his final run-out at the home of the Ospreys.

First arriving at the region in the summer of 2006 from Toyota Verblitz of Japan, former Hurricanes back-rower Tiatia has established himself as a true Ospreys legend, racking up 96 appearances for the region in just four years.

Ospreys Managing Director, Mike Cuddy, led the tributes to Filo, saying: "He has been a tremendous servant to the Ospreys as a player and will, I'm sure, continue to provide outstanding service as a coach over the coming seasons.

"I think it's fair to say that he is an inspirational character, who has been welcomed to the region by his colleagues and the supporters alike, and as such, he feels at home in Ospreylia which is part of the reason his time here has been such a success."

Head Coach Sean Holley added: "It's easy for me to comment on Filo as we've become great friends while he has been an Osprey. I've got a lot of respect for him, he has been a player that has always had a positive influence around our environment, on and off the pitch.

"His attitude has galvanised many Ospreys performances and he has brought the group together in many ways. His professionalism, outlook and attitude has transcended overseas players, young and old players, internationals and domestic players alike, they have all bought into his way of thinking."

Tiatia made 24 Heineken Cup appearences, scoring thee tries in four seasons.