 Ryan Jones has been with the Ospreys since the start of the 2004/05 season |
Ryan Jones has signed a new Ospreys contract keeping him at the region until the end of the 2013/14 season. And the Wales and Lions back-rower has pledged to see out the rest of his career with the Ospreys. It is positive news for the Ospreys after the announcements that they were to lose Gavin Henson and James Hook. "The Ospreys are my region, my team, and that will always be the case even when I've finished playing," said 29-year-old Jones. It is a boost for Jones following a difficult week on the international front. He led Wales to to a highly criticised 16-16 draw against Fiji. Jones apologised to his players for giving away the penalty which allowed the Fijians to draw level and then saw the captaincy handed back to Matthew Rees for the Wales clash against New Zealand on Saturday. The Wales controversy came on the back of Jones seeing the Ospreys captaincy being taken off him after three years and given to Alun Wyn Jones at the beginning of the 2010/11 season. But Jones said he was very pleased to commit himself to the Ospreys. "I'm delighted that I've been able to agree this new contract and get everything signed up," said Jones, who to date has made 97 appearances for the region. "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. "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."  Ryan Jones led the Ospreys to the 2009/10 Magners League title |
Jones' signing is a major boost to the Ospreys especially after Henson left for Saracens and Hook told them he was leaving at the end of the season. Andrew Hore, the Ospreys elite performance director, says Jones will be a crucial player for the region over the coming seasons. "It's fantastic news for everybody involved with the Ospreys that Ryan has signed this new contract," said Hore. "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, and has developed a real affinity for the people and the region. "Ryan loves this region with a passion and for us to go forward we need people with that drive in the camp, and I'm delighted that he has committed himself to the Ospreys for the long term." Having made his debut for the region in a 34-17 win over Munster at St Helen's on the opening day of the 2004/05 season, Jones has scored 14 tries in his 97 appearances.
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