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Fender could depart Ospreys as Grenoble hope to sign lock
Western Mail
|July 12, 2025
UNCAPPED Ospreys second-row James Fender is closing in on a move to French Pro D2 club Grenoble.
The 23-year-old is understood to be close to signing a deal with the second tier French outfit, who once again narrowly missed out on promotion to the Top 14 this season, in what would be a massive blow for the Ospreys.
However, we understand that his departure has not been signed off yet by the Ospreys.
Amid ongoing uncertainty within Welsh rugby, many more could yet follow Fender's path should he leave - with players still largely in the dark over the future of the pro game in Wales.
Fender still has a year left on his deal with the Ospreys, but has decided to leave for pastures new this summer.
As well as Grenoble, it's understood Top 14 clubs were interested in the lock as were one other Welsh club.
This story is from the July 12, 2025 edition of Western Mail.
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