Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has reaffirmed his commitment to the national team after penning a new contract until 2021.
The 2019 Grand Slam winning skipper and Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship has ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal with the Welsh Rugby Union and club side Ospreys.
Jones’ most recent Guinness Six Nations triumph was his fourth overall and his third Grand Slam after lifting the trophy in 2008, 2012 and 2013.
The 33-year-old is now the most capped second-rower of all time (134 including nine British & Irish Lions Tests) and will soon be chasing the outright record of 148 held by Richie McCaw.
“I have some news I would like to share with you,” Jones announced via his social media profiles.
“I’m happy to announce that I have signed a contract extension to June 2021 with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys and will be playing at the Liberty Stadium for the foreseeable future.
“After serious consideration and taking stock of all options, it is the right decision for my career at this point in time, along with my personal ambitions on and off the field, my welfare and needs of my family.”
Jones is now preparing to head to Switzerland with the national squad for a World Cup training camp.
“This announcement is a huge boost for Welsh rugby,” added group chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union Martyn Phillips.
“Alun Wyn is hugely respected across the game and I’m delighted he has committed his future here in Wales and that he will be continuing to play for his hometown region.
“It is a boost for the game both on and off the field and I’m sure the news will delight both Wales and Ospreys supporters alike as he continues to inspire the next generation.
“The extension allows the WRU and the Ospreys to continue working together with Alun Wyn to ensure he has the very best of environments to thrive in.”
