Ospreys wing Jeff Hassler signs new deal to remain with region

Jeff Hassler has scored 20 international tries for Canada

Canadian wing Jeff Hassler has signed a one-year extension to remain with the Ospreys until 2018.

The 24-year old arrived at the region in 2013 having previously played American football at college.

Hassler has made 46 appearances for Ospreys, scoring 16 tries.

"I'm really happy, I've enjoyed being here, so for management to come to me early with a desire to extend for another season is brilliant for me personally," he said.

Hassler is hoping for a return to his best form after an injury-hit campaign.

"The first year and a half I was here went like a dream, I was playing regularly and scoring tries, but it's been a bit frustrating since then, stop-start, with the World Cup and some niggles stopping me getting any real momentum," he said.

"I'm working hard on my fitness now after shoulder surgery last month, and I'm really excited about getting a good block of pre-season work in so that I can be up and running with ball in hand by the time the first game comes around."

Hassler, who has won 17 caps for his country, is even ready to put international rugby on the back-burner for his region.

"I'm sitting out Canada duty this summer as everybody understands how important it is for me to hopefully get back to the form I was in a little while ago," he explained.

"I need to start playing more regularly to really start earning my money."