Two-time RBS 6 Nations winner Paul James has signed a contract extension to keep him at Welsh outfit Ospreys until 2018.
The loosehead prop was part of Warren Gatland’s Grand Slam-winning side in 2012, making three replacement appearances while also being a key part of the side which secured back-to-back Championships for the first time since 1979 a year later.
James had been plying his trade from Bath between 2012 and 2015, rejoining Ospreys for the 2015-16 season – the side he had been with since Welsh regional rugby’s inception in 2003.
The 34-year-old earned his first Wales cap in the same year, but had to wait until 2009 for his next, eventually earning his 50th cap in the RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland in 2014 having represented his country in two World Cups.
“I’m very happy about signing a new contract with my home region,” said James.
“The Ospreys mean a lot to me and I’m enjoying being back home and being involved with a young squad that I think can do really well this season.”
Now with 66 caps under his belt, coach Steve Tandy believes his prop can be a focal point for the region’s immediate future.
“Paul has been an outstanding servant for the Ospreys and is still an important, influential squad member who has a big part to play if we are going to be successful over the next two years,” he said.
