Jones commits to Ospreys

Ospreys captain Alun Wyn Jones has rejected offers from France and signed a new three-year deal with the Welsh region.

Jones’ Wales colleagues James Hook and Lee Byrne are both leaving the Ospreys this summer to join Top 14 clubs Perpignan and Clermont Auvergne respectively.

But the 25-year-old lock was convinced to stay at the Liberty Stadium after holding detailed talks with the Ospreys coaching staff and the board about their plans for the future.

“It’s flattering to have interest from France and offers from other clubs, but I’m very conscious that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” said Jones, who has won 48 Wales caps.

Although Byrne and Hook are leaving, Jones is the 10th Osprey to sign a new deal including Wales internationals Ryan Jones and Jonathan Thomas.

The Ospreys won the Magners League last season but have failed to reach their potential in Europe, having never progressed beyond the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.