Advertisement
Jones celebrates the Lions success last summer. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Homebird

Lions lock Alun-Wyn Jones bucks trend to stay in Wales

The Ospreys have secured the international second row’s services until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

THE OSPREYS HAVE secured the immediate future of Alun-Wyn Jones, with the Welsh region announcing that the lock will remain with them until 2015.

Like several of Ireland’s marquee players, offers from the financially powerful Top 14 had tempted the Lions second row, meaning the Ospreys will be relieved to have secured the 28-year-old’s services for the next year-and-a-half at least.

Jones underlined the fact that staying in Wales is the right move for him at present.

I’m very happy to be able to resolve my future, which means I can now concentrate solely on my rugby. It’s flattering to have received offers from elsewhere, but at this point in my career my focus is on being in the right environment to ensure the longevity of both my domestic and international career.

“It’s important to me that I’m playing the right level of rugby to ensure I am at my best, which is why it makes sense for me to accept the offer on the table from the Ospreys.”

Jones’ new contract will run “until after the next Rugby World Cup,” according to the club, suggesting that a move abroad may again become a possibility for the Swansea man a little further down the line. For now, Jones’ signature is a significant boost for Welsh rugby, coming as it does hot on the heels of confirmation that Leigh Halfpenny will join Toulon next season.

The loss of the Wales fullback is a blow for the WRU [Welsh Rugby Union], as well as everyone involved in the Cardiff Blues regional set-up. Still just 25, it was strongly hoped that Halfpenny would be retained. Instead, he will join international back-line teammate Jonathan Davies [Clermont] in heading for the Top 14 this summer.

However, the confirmation that influential lock Jones will be remaining in the country is a timely boost, particularly give the manner in which he has developed into a world-class second row in the last three years. The 6ft 5ins lock was excellent for the Lions last summer, when his leadership skills saw him captaining the side for the decisive third Test against Australia.

Gilroy on Six Nations hunt as ‘perfectionist’ Schmidt watches on

6 Irish players to watch out for in the Under 20 Six Nations

Your Voice
Readers Comments
1
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.