FORMER Dragons hooker Sam Parry has signed a one-year contract extension with the Ospreys, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 28-year-old from Haverfordwest swapped Rodney Parade for the Liberty Stadium in 2014 after making 54 appearances in the east.

Hard-carrying Parry has been a firm fixture in the Ospreys side and has made 96 outings, crossing for 14 tries and scoring two hat-tricks.

The front rower is now set to bring up a century of appearances for the Swansea side, who are rebuilding after a nightmare campaign.

"I'm glad to have extended my time at the Ospreys for another season," said Parry.

"It's been well-documented that this past season with the Ospreys has been a tough and frustrating year with results not going our way but with all the hard work that is being put in from the boys I'm excited to see where we can go as a group."

The Ospreys have appointed Toby Booth as head coach after a season in which they won just two PRO14 games and were whitewashed in a tough European Champions Cup group featuring Saracens, Racing 92 and Munster.

The region have been boosted by Wales and Lions flanker Justin Tipuric re-signing while Rhys Webb is returning from Toulon.

General manager Dan Griffiths is pleased to have Parry on the roster to battle with Dewi Lake and Scott Otten for the 2 jersey.

"The front row is a critical part of the squad and hooker is a position where we have good depth and competition building," said the former Newport fly-half.

"Over the last few seasons, we have developed a group of players with a variety of strengths and abilities that can all bring something different to the team.

"Sam has displayed with the quality of his performances, particularly earlier in the season, what a great asset he can be to the squad.

"His ability at set piece is top draw and very highly regarded, whilst around the field his physicality on the ball and particularly at the breakdown are a real point of difference.

"To compliment his physical qualities, Sam is also a very good footballer who can link the play and make good decisions on the ball.

"I know Sam is determined to play his part in driving the Ospreys forward into next season and beyond."