Additional year for Bearman at Ospreys
In 2011 Bearman signed for Ospreys Rugby and made his debut for the region coming off the bench in a 32-14 win over Ulster in September, his first start came two weeks later as Ospreys defeated Munster 17-13.
To date Bearman has made 94 Ospreys appearances, scoring four tries, he has proven to be a consistent performer and influential member of the squad.
Bearman become the 12th player to sign for Ospreys, other names are: Captain Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb, have resigned National Dual Contracts, while Ashley Beck, Gareth Thomas, Ben John, Scott Otten, Tom Habberfield and Eli Walker have all agreed new Ospreys deals. Meanwhile, Wales Under-20, Adam Beard and Owen Watkin, have signed their first professional contracts.
Commenting on his new deal, he said: "I feel I've still got plenty to offer this environment, so I'm really happy to have another year,"
Realising that his role within the club have relatively change due to young talent available to the coach, Bearman stated: "I still want to play, I want to get past the 100 appearances for the Ospreys, but I realise that I'm at the stage where my role these days is about more than just that.
"I get a real buzz from being around the younger guys, working with them every day, pushing them on and, hopefully, helping them achieve their undoubted potential. If I can help them get that extra one or two percent from themselves, that one or two percent can make all the difference on a matchday or throughout the season. There's still work to be done this season but without getting ahead of ourselves, I'm really excited about next year and how this group can develop,"
Steve Tandy, coach of Ospreys stated his delight: "Joe has an incredible work ethic and as he has shown at times this season, particularly in the second half of the year, he just keeps going. He has bags of experience that he is more than happy to share with his teammates and while he is still desperate to get out on the pitch and play his part every week, he knows that he can be an even bigger influence in and around the environment"
He commented on the vital role Bearman adds to the team: "With this new contract, his role as a mentor to the young players in the squad will come to the fore and, while he intends to continue fighting for the shirt, his influence away from the 80 minutes on a matchday will become more and more important,"
In addition, Ospreys has confirmed the signing of Crusaders' Kieron Fonotia for next season, and he will be joined by Scarlets and Wales' prop Rhodri Jones, and Dragons' hooker Hugh Gustafson.