Former Wales U20s star Ryan Conbeer has joined Super Rygbi Cymru side Bridgend Ravens following his departure from the Ospreys. The 27-year-old wing has signed a permanent deal with the semi-professional outfit after leaving the Ospreys at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Promising start with Scarlets
Conbeer was once regarded as one of the best prospects in Welsh rugby after bursting onto the professional scene as a teenager with the Scarlets in 2019. His performances earned him a call-up to train with the Wales squad ahead of their 2022 summer tour to South Africa, with the world seemingly at his feet.
However, two years on from training with the national side, Conbeer was released by the Scarlets and left facing life on a building site, before signing with the Ospreys ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Ospreys stint and departure
In total, he made 11 appearances for Mark Jones' side but was confirmed to be amongst the leavers at the end of the last campaign. It is understood that the Saundersfoot-born wing was initially told by the Ospreys that there was no offer on the table as the club planned for next season. However, it's believed the region did then offer Conbeer the chance to stay late in the day, only for him to decide against it.
Joining Bridgend Ravens
After being heavily linked with a move, he has now joined Bridgend on a permanent deal and will turn out for Scott Baldwin's side in the 2026/27 Super Rygbi Cymru campaign. Conbeer previously spoke to WalesOnline about the precarious nature of professional rugby, following his release from the Scarlets in 2024.
"If I can't find another contract I'll probably play semi-pro in Wales and I've spoken to a few clubs," he said at the time. "I'd have to have a job on the side. I'm just going to try to keep myself fit and if something comes about later on, say if there's an injury at a pro club and they need cover then I might pick something up."
Reflection on professional rugby
"A lot of people wouldn't really understand what we go through as professional rugby players and the struggles of it. Within professional rugby you're very lucky if you get a two-year contract these days. So, you are only safe for those two years and after that there's a good chance you'll have to move clubs or become jobless which is what I'm going to be in July," Conbeer added. "It is scary but I've spoken to the WRPA officers, family and friends who have all been really supportive."
