The Ospreys are delighted to confirm that the three of the regions internationals had signed long term contracts.
The Ospreys are delighted to confirm that the three of the regions internationals had signed long term contracts
Newly appointed Captain Ryan Jones has signed a new four year contract. The contract will ensure the British & Irish Lions Number 8 stays in an Ospreys shirt through to at least the end of the 2010/ 2011 season. Ryan is 26 years old and has won sixteen Wales caps to date, as well as playing three times for the British & Irish Lions
We can also confirm that two of our Wales international Second Rows, Ian Evans (five times capped, 22 years old) and Alun Wyn Jones (ten caps, 21 years old) have committed for another four years through to the end of the 2010/ 2011 season
Ryan commented on his new contract:
"I was delighted to be able to give a long term commitment to the Ospreys when the opportunity arose. I have settled in the area and it is my home. The Ospreys are going on to bigger and better things and I want to be a part of it for the foreseeable future. The calibre of the players at the region, the overall quality of the squad and the standard of facilities available to us as players is second to none and I am convinced we are on the verge of something big. I just could not imagine going anywhere else."
Ian Evans added:
"It is great that I will be at the Ospreys for the next four years. I am happy within this squad and the Ospreys have supported me over a difficult last year. This was not a hard decision to make and I am looking forward to the success that I am sure the next four years will bring."
Alun Wyn Jones welcomed the confirmation of his new contract, saying:
"I have grown up in the area and the Ospreys are my local professional side. We have a great set-up and I am convinced that we are close to realizing our full potential. The next few years will be an exciting time for Ospreys players and supporters and I am pleased that I will be around to be part of it."
Director of Rugby Kevin Hopkins, further commented:
"Building a successful squad is about securing your key players on long term contracts whilst bringing in quality players to strengthen where required. Ryan gives us a pivotal influence at the back of the scrum and the link between him and the backs will be vital to our ongoing success. He is our Captain and now we have secured his services for at least the next four years. I am delighted to confirm that we can look forward to having his positive influence within the squad for the foreseeable future. Ian and Alun Wyn are two of the most promising Second Rows Wales has seen over the past few decades. I am sure these two will be in the Welsh engine room for many years to come and it is great news for the Ospreys and Wales that they have committed themselves for the foreseeable future."