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Page last updated at 16:31 GMT, Thursday, 23 July 2009 17:31 UK

Lions props set to stay in Wales

Adam Jones (left) and Gethin Jenkins flank hooker Matthew Rees on the recent Lions tour
Jones (left) and Jenkins flank hooker Matthew Rees on the recent Lions tour

Wales and British and Irish Lions props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones are expected to sign contract extensions.

Both players have one year left on their current deals with their respective Welsh regional sides.

A source close to Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales he would be surprised if the prop did not sign a two-year extension to stay with Cardiff Blues.

Likewise there is a quiet confidence at the Liberty Stadium that Jones will opt to extend his stay with the Ospreys.

Talks are scheduled to take place about the future of Jones, with the 28-year-old having emerged as one of the leading tight-head props in the world after his performances in South Africa for the Lions.

Both players returned injured from the Lions tour, although that has not stopped the pair attracting interest from big clubs in France.

606: DEBATE

Jones is set to be out of action for the rest of the year after dislocating a shoulder in South Africa, while Jenkins will miss the start of the new season with another shoulder injury suffered against the Springboks.

Jenkins, also 28, prefers playing at loose head but is equally proficient on the other side of the front row

He had previously expressed an interest in a move to French rugby, but the lure of playing in and for Wales looks to have won him over.

The Blues announced the signings of former New Zealand centre Casey Laulala and ex-Wales and Lions back Dafydd James on Wednesday, but they are just as keen to retain key talent as they are to recruit.

If Jenkins and Jones do stay, the Welsh Rugby Union will also be celebrating.

It has a policy of encouraging players to stay in Wales to improve their chances of selection for the national side.

But that policy is under threat because clubs in France and England can offer better wages than the Welsh regions.



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see also
Wales suffer double injury blow
18 Jul 09 |  Rugby Union
Prop Jones set for six months out
04 Jul 09 |  Ospreys


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