Ospreys dir of rugby Scott Johnson

One of America’s best up and coming young prospects Hanno Dirksen has been snapped up by Welsh region the Ospreys.

The youngster is due to report for preseason training on July 9.

Dirksen, who’s just 18 years old, will be transferring from Truro College in Cornwall, in the southwest of England, to the Swansea Academy in Wales.

Swansea is one of the main feeder programs for the Ospreys.

He first went to Truro last year and will take up a scholarship to attend the Swansea Academy where he plans to study for a degree in physical education.

Dirksen has been on the USA U18s squad and is a product of the Trojans U19 high school program in Marietta, GA, where he was coached by Randy Joseph.

Hanno Dirksen

“He’s just one of those kids who comes along, you don’t see them too often,” coach Joseph tells ARN.

“He’s still raw but he has talent.”

Dirksen, who’s around 6’ and 195lbs, plays either flyhalf or center.

The Ospreys’ recently appointed director of rugby and former US head coach Scott Johnson apparently was impressed with Dirksen, having seen him in the age-grade ranks during his tenure in Boulder, and was keen to get him into the region’s system.