Dewi Lake to Lead Ospreys vs Munster as Gloucester Move Looms

Dewi Lake leads the Ospreys in a URC clash with Munster in Bridgend, amid transfer talk surrounding the Wales hooker as he heads for Gloucester after the 2025-26 season.

Lake, 26, has confirmed he will move to Gloucester at the season’s end, but he remains focused on guiding his region in this weekend’s home match. Flanker Jac Morgan is also set to join Gloucester once this campaign closes.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones praised Lake’s professionalism around the club, saying his attitude has been exemplary. "You wouldn’t know there’s anything unsettled going on; he’s carried himself with real composure, and the group have met that level head-on," Jones said.

Lake’s leadership comes as the squad welcomes back a number of Wales internationals. Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Rhys Davies, James Ratti and Harri Deaves return to the fold, while Owen Watkin and Morgan Morris earn first starts since injury lay-offs.

Jones added that healthier bodies are lifting selection options as the season progresses and players push for certain positions.

Munster, sitting third in the table, ring six changes and switch two in personnel. Jeremy Loughman, Fineen Wycherley, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Tom Farrell and Calvin Nash are among those coming into the starting XV.

United Rugby Championship: Ospreys v Munster

Saturday, 20 December at 17:30 GMT

Brewery Field, Bridgend

Listen live on Sounds and follow live text on the INLIBER Sport website and app.

Ospreys facing uncertainty but aiming for consistency

The Ospreys have essentially booked a Challenge Cup knockout spot after pool wins over Connacht and Montauban, yet their URC campaign remains challenging with one win from six so far this season.

Jones said the team has shown progress and belief, even if the results haven’t fully reflected that. "There are clear signs in our performances and steps forward in key areas; the challenge is translating those into URC wins more regularly," he said.

Off the field, Welsh rugby is considering a reduction in the number of professional men’s clubs from four to three, with three licences to be allocated. Cardiff, Swansea/West and one other region would be chosen, potentially heightening a survival battle for teams like the Ospreys and Scarlets. Ospreys owner Y11 Sport & Media has also been linked with a bid for Cardiff in a bid to shape reforms.

Jones urged players to focus on their responsibilities: "Control what you can control—your preparation and performance for the badge. If you do that consistently, you’ll compete at a high level."

• Ospreys boss Jones hopes Lake and Morgan return

• Why are Wales' captains leaving for England?

• Welsh pair Morse and Deaves sign new Ospreys deals

How they line up

Ospreys: Nagy; Kasende, Boshoff, Watkin, Giles; Edwards, Morgan-Williams; S Thomas, Lake (capt), Henry, R Davies, Smith, Ratti, Deaves, M Morris.

Replacements: Parry, C Jones, Botha, Sutton, Morse, Hardy, K Williams, Walsh.

Munster: Haley; Nash, T Farrell, Nankivell, Daly; Crowley, Patterson; Loughman, Scannell, Ala'alatoa, Kleyn, Wycherley, O'Donoghue (capt), Kendellen, Coombes.

Replacements: Barron, Milne, Bartley, Edogbo, Ahern, Coughlan, Hanrahan, Hodnett.

Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU)

Assistants: Craig Evans & Andrew Moule (WRU)

TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)

Expert commentary

Rugby analysts say Lake’s steady leadership could steady a squad navigating contract talks while remaining competitive in the URC. His calm influence is viewed as a stabilising factor for a group chasing consistency.

Short summary

Dewi Lake captains the Ospreys in a crucial URC fixture that also serves as a backdrop to his Gloucester move. The team looks to build momentum with several returns from injury, while Munster arrive with a refreshed pack. Off the field, Welsh rugby faces potential structural changes that could reshape the regional landscape, making this clash a test of both depth and focus for the Ospreys.

Key insight: Lake’s professional approach helps the Ospreys stay focused amid transfer talk as they prepare for a big URC clash. Source: BBC Sport.

Discover the latest news and current events in Sports News as of 19-12-2025. The article titled " Dewi Lake to Lead Ospreys vs Munster as Gloucester Move Looms " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Sports News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.

The information in " Dewi Lake to Lead Ospreys vs Munster as Gloucester Move Looms " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Sports News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.