James Fender forced into rethink after Grenoble move collapses

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James Fender of Ospreys during the EPCR Challenge Cup match between the Ospreys and Perpignan at Swansea.com Stadium on January 12, 2024 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images) https://www.rugbypass.com/news/james-fender-forced-into-rethink-after-grenoble-move-collapses/

Former Wales under-20 lock James Fender is set to see out the final year of his contract with hometown club the Ospreys after a move to Pro D2 Grenoble was on the brink of dramatic collapse.

Fender only penned a new deal with the Ospreys in April but wanted to leave after being offered a two-year deal by Grenoble, who, a month ago, suffered a third promotion-relegation play-off loss in a row against Perpignan.

Fender, 23, made 13 appearances last season for the Ospreys, but Grenoble cannot agree on a transfer fee with the United Rugby Championship outfit, and the deal appears to be dead in the water.

Grenoble freed up a non-JIFF place for Fender by letting Georgian outside centre Giorgi Kveseladze leave for either a move to the third-tier Nationale or a return to his homeland with the Black Lion.

The French side are set to move on and have made a move for the Spanish lock Ignacio Piñeiro, who is a free agent after his Oyonnax contract ran out at the end of the month.

In a twist of irony, Piñeiro, 22, could make his debut against his former club, who are due to entertain Grenoble at the Stade Charles-Mathon in their opening game of the season on August 29.

Piñeiro, who began his career with Valencia before moving to Clermont Auvergne in 2021, can play on the blindside of the back row and has played internationals against the USA and Canada this month.

A member of the Spanish squad that lost the Rugby Europe Championship final to Georgia has trained with Grenoble this week, indicating that a deal is close to being done.

The news that Fender is set to stay in South Wales will be welcomed by the Ospreys, who have seen a host of big names leave the club as the four Welsh regions struggle to make ends meet.