Cardiff Rugby can confirm Harri Wilde has joined the Ospreys on a season-long loan deal. 

The 21-year-old, who made his first team debut last season, has a long-term contract at the Arms Park and will remain part of the Cardiff RFC Super Rygbi Cymru squad.

Cardiff Rugby also retain the right to recall Wilde should there be a requirement, but the move is seen as a mutually beneficial arrangement, which will see the former Wales Under-20s star earn valuable URC game time. 

Cardiff Rugby head coach Corniel van Zyl said: “This is a great opportunity for Harri to continue his development, and we are excited to see how he goes this year.

“After we had agreed a new deal at the Arms Park, we were approached by the Ospreys about loaning one of our young fly-halves. 

“We felt it was not only a good opportunity but also the right thing for Harri to go and develop his game in a high-performance team, while hopefully getting a bit more game-time in the URC.

“When he is not involved with the Ospreys, he will play for Cardiff RFC so it is almost the best of both worlds for his development. 

“Hopefully he will get a good amount of exposure with the Ospreys while continuing to be a key player for the RFC for the next 12 months. He will then come back to Cardiff and compete for the number 10 jersey, with a great experience under his belt.” 

Wilde, who has come right through the Cardiff Rugby pathway, has been a standout performer in Super Rygbi Cymru and has now amassed 29 appearances for the Rags with 225 points. 

Cardiff Rugby Academy Manager, Gruff Rees, said: “We have been proud to support and challenge Harri at each step of his rugby journey from Pontypridd schools through each of our RAG squads, Ysgol Glantaf and exposure to senior rugby with Cardiff RFC as well as some great national exposure. 

“He is always striving to be the best he can be and to drive standards for all those around him, he is also a vital cog for our coaches and his relationship with Dan Fish has been excellent for his development and appreciation of the game. 

“He is now at the stage, both physically and technically, where he has all the tools and ability to step up to the demands of the URC and this move gives him the potential to get some valuable experience with a good Osprey group while continuing his long-term aspirations in the Cardiff jersey.”

Wilde has already linked up with the Swansea-based outfit ahead of the new season and he is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

He added: “I’m really excited to be joining the Ospreys. This is a great opportunity for me to challenge myself in new surroundings and to learn from a different set of coaches and players.

“I’m grateful to both clubs for making this happen and the boys here have already given me a warm welcome. Going forward, I’m focusing on working hard and making the most of every minute I get in the jersey.”