OSPREYS director of rugby Kevin Hopkins has poured cold water on recent speculation linking Gavin Henson and Lyndon Bateman with moves to Worcester Warriors.

Since former Wales Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock was announced as John Brain's Sixways successor, gossip linking several Welsh players with switches to the Guinness Premiership side has been rife.

However, Ospreys chief Hopkins, whose side claimed their second Magners League title in the space of three years on Saturday, insisted that both Henson and Bateman would be staying with the Swansea-based club.

He said: "The rumours linking Lyndon Bateman and Gavin Henson with moves to Worcester are just that - speculation. I have no idea where these stories have come from. Both players are under contract so it is a waste of time talking about them being linked with other clubs.

"Mike is a coach and he'll decide which players he wants to sign, but we have not had any contact with Worcester about any of our players."

Warriors were frequently criticised last season for not having enough flair in their three-quarters, which is a quality Henson could certainly bring to the side now he appears to be close to full fitness following knee injury problems.

Henson was left out of the team that wrapped up the title with a 24-16 win at Border Reivers on Saturday, but Ospreys head coach Lyn Jones said the centre was close to a playing return.

He said: "Although Gavin was keen to get back on the field it would be wrong for him to play until he is 100 per cent right."

Lock Bateman, who could complement Craig Gillies in the Warriors' second row, is facing a slightly longer period on the sidelines, though, with a shoulder injury.