Jones commits to Ospreys

Wales star Ryan Jones has signed a new long-term contract with the Ospreys.

The Ospreys’ announcement comes just five days after Jones captained Wales in their 16-16 draw against Fiji – and was then told that hooker Matthew Rees would reclaim the job for this weekend’s appointment with New Zealand.

Wales coach Warren Gatland, who made that decision public within an hour of the final whistle, received a chorus of media criticism as a result.

Many pundits and Wales supporters felt Jones had been made a scapegoat following the shambolic performance against Fiji. His injury-time infringement handed Fiji an equalising penalty chance that goakicker Seremaia Bai accepted.

The 29-year-old’s new regional deal though, will keep him at the Swansea-based side until 2014.

Back-row forward Jones, who made his Ospreys debut more than six years ago, has won 45 Wales caps and played in three Tests for the Lions.

“Obviously, I am delighted that I’ve been able to agree this new contract and get everything signed up,” he said.

“I’ve always had fantastic support from everybody involved with the Ospreys, and it’s where I feel is home, not only for me, but also for my family.

“The Ospreys are my region, my team, and that will always be the case even when I’ve finished playing.

“I still believe that we are on the verge of something special with the set-up we have here.

“The players and the coaches are working hard together, and I want to be a part of it. I don’t want to play anywhere else, this is where I want to see out my career.”

And Ospreys elite performance director Andrew Hore added: “It’s fantastic news for everybody involved with the Ospreys that Ryan has signed this new contract.

“It’s important that we have individuals here who want to take us forward as an organisation.

“Ryan certainly fits that description, as a rugby player and also, importantly, as a person. He’s been an Osprey for a number of years now, and he really feels at home here.”

Jones, meanwhile, will discover tomorrow whether or not he is part of Gatland’s matchday 22 for the All Blacks clash.