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Former All Black Filo Tiatia has taken up a player-coach role with Welsh rugby club Ospreys.
The 37-year-old No 8, who played two tests for the All Blacks and 57 games for the Hurricanes, joined Ospreys as a player in 2006 and recently signed a three-year deal with the side, the BBC reported today.
Tiatia said being able to combine playing and coaching was a good opportunity for him and that he was pleased to be able to stay at the club.
"I'm grateful that, having seen what I can do, the guys here have the confidence in my coaching ability to offer me this opportunity.
"I've no intention of giving up playing just yet, I feel that I've still got a lot to offer on that front, so in the short term it will be a case of balancing the two components."
Before moving to Britain, Tiatia spent four years playing for Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.
Other New Zealanders playing for Ospreys include Marty Holah and Jamie Nutbrown.
- NZPA
