Alun Wyn Jones has agreed a contract extension with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys to continue playing in Wales for the next two years.
Wales captain Jones is the world's most capped second row with 134 international appearances – 125 for Wales and nine for the British & Irish Lions.
The 33-year-old, a three-time Lions tourist, led his country to Six Nations Grand Slam glory earlier this year as Wales extended their unbeaten run to 14 games – the best in their history.
Morning all, I have some news I would like to share with you. I'm happy to announce that I have signed a contract extension to June 2021 with the Welsh Rugby Union and Ospreys so will be playing at the Liberty... https://t.co/HS7y4PteWd — Alun-Wyn Jones (@AlunWynJones) July 9, 2019
"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 forseeable future," Jones said in a social media post.
"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.
"I'm really pleased to have announced the extension today and to have been able to announce it directly to all those who have supported me throughout my career, especially all the Ospreys supporters."
Jones, who is preparing to head to Switzerland with the Wales squad this week for their first overseas Rugby World Cup training camp, first signed a national dual contract in March 2015.
.@AlunWynJones has announced a contract extension with the Welsh Rugby Union and @ospreys ✍ Sicrhawyd dyfodol arwr cenedlaethol yng Nghymru. #HWFN 📰 – https://t.co/MFVRWIlHPf pic.twitter.com/IH6XKXegYx — Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 9, 2019
He has made 238 appearances for the Swansea-based Ospreys, his home region.
WRU group chief executive Martyn Phillips, said: "This announcement is a huge boost for Welsh rugby.
"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.
DONE DEAL ✍️@AlunWynJones has re-signed with @WelshRugbyUnion & the Ospreys! Read all about it here ⬇️https://t.co/9trfs5mTkg pic.twitter.com/z9FZXvejB1 — Ospreys (@ospreys) July 9, 2019
"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."
Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke added: "Alun Wyn has spent his entire career with the Ospreys and I expect him to continue his legacy as a player and well beyond his playing days.
"He's a tremendous individual and a winner with a deep hunger for the Ospreys to be successful on and off the field."
ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Phil Blanche, PA');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', 'cd9abbf7-1895-4d27-9bb7-6fed53ce82b5');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:uk');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:rugby-union');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Alun Wyn Jones agrees two-year contract extension with WRU and Ospreys'});
