OLYMPIAN Sam Cross believes he is flourishing thanks to the Ospreys' new attacking approach after signing a new deal at the Liberty Stadium.

The 28-year-old back row forward from Brynmawr has signed up for two more years in Swansea.

Cross, whose silver-winning Rio 2016 exploits led to him winning a pair of surprise full Wales caps under Warren Gatland the following year, has made 58 appearances for the Ospreys and scored five tries.

"I am excited to extend my stay at the Ospreys, with what we are building on and off the field and I just wanted to be a part of it," said the former Newport flanker.

"I was really happy the coaches offered me a new contract and I was really happy to accept it.

"What we are creating off the field and have started to deliver on it, with the performances and results this season, is something you want to be a part of.

"There is a real camaraderie between the boys and the new coaching group and it's just an exciting time to be an Osprey.

"The future looks good, with Champions Cup rugby next season, and with a special win out in Dublin over a formidable Leinster team. That performance really epitomised where we are as a group at the moment.

"We have a real will to fight for each other and to put it all out on the field for the club, that performance summed up what it is to be an Osprey.

"We have some great players here and there is really healthy competition for places, with some really talented young players coming through too.

"The more competition, the more it pushes all the boys on the field, and that is only healthy.

"Toby (Booth, head coach) and Brock (James, attack coach) have come in and transformed what we do from a team culture perspective, with high standards in training and a new style of play, and we have a real attack based identity now.

"We are playing a brand of rugby supporters want to see and what the players want to play, and you see that in the performances and results."

The Ospreys have some quality players in the back row, notably Lions flanker Justin Tipuric, but Cross helps them play at pace according to his boss.

"Sam is an energiser and has a really positive impact on our game with his high-tempo approach and adaptable skillset," said Booth.

"He is an integral part of our culture and is a good influence both on and off the field."