William Greatbanks

William Greatbanks is a young Welsh flanker on the Ospreys' books, born on 18 January 2003 and progressing through the region's pathway. A back-row prospect, he has worked through age-grade rugby and earned senior squad involvement as part of the Ospreys' programme of developing young forwards in URC and European fixtures. Greatbanks plays the openside role with energy and a clear focus on the breakdown contest. He attacks the tackle area, looks to slow opposition ball and gets through high tackle counts when called on in defence. With ball in hand, he carries with a low centre of gravity and is willing to take the difficult lines through traffic that ease pressure on his half-backs. Like many Welsh back-rowers coming through at Ospreys, Greatbanks is being developed with an eye to the longer term — building physical conditioning, refining decision-making at the tackle area and adapting to the speed and intensity of senior professional rugby. Coaches see him as part of the region's future loose-forward depth.