Former Wales forward Gareth Delve has been released by the Ospreys halfway through his two-year contract.

The region have cut their losses after the 33-year-old managed just two games in the Guinness Pro 12 this season following persistent injury problems.

Delve, 33, was called to a meeting at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday and given the news that his deal was being ended.

The region have issued a short two-line statement, confirming their decision which states: “There will be no further comment from Ospreys Rugby on this matter.”

Delve, who won 11 caps before moving to play in Australia, was considered a sound investment when the Ospreys signed him 12 months ago from Japanese club NEC Green Rockets.

He was meant to add experience to the region’s back row when their current  international stars were away on Test duty.

But an ongoing ankle problem meant he made appearances against only Ulster on the opening night of the season and versus Treviso six weeks later – featuring on the pitch for a total of 56 minutes.

Delve, won played for Bath and Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership, won his last cap for Wales six years ago before moving Down Under for a successful stint with the Melbourne Rebels.

At the time of Delve’s signing, then Ospreys rugby general manager Andrew Millward said: “He’ll be challenging for a place week in, week out.

“We’ve got a lot of internationals in the back-row and he’ll be adding to that mix, especially when some of the guys are away on international duty. What he brings is leadership, and what he can impart to the younger players is just as important.”