Magners League
Jones to remain an Osprey
ESPNscrum Staff
April 11, 2011
Ospreys skipper Alun-Wyn Jones takes a breather, Ospreys v Munster, Heineken Cup, Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, December 18, 2010
Ospreys lock Alun-Wyn Jones has signed a new deal with the Ospreys © Getty Images
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Ospreys skipper Alun-Wyn Jones has rejected offers from France in order to sign a new three-year deal with the region.

The Wales lock turned down the chance to follow fellow Ospreys James Hook and Lee Byrne to the Top 14 after in-depth talks over the region's future.

"It's flattering to have interest from France and offers from other clubs, but I'm very conscious that the grass isn't always greener on the other side," he said. "I wanted to speak to the coaches and the board, to really understand the details of the changes they are making, and to see what their long term plans are.

"The evolution taking place here is very positive, the new facilities and players coming in makes me excited about the next three years. Let's say that it would have been a far more difficult decision to move on than it has been to stay here."

Jones is the 10th Osprey to agree a new deal in recent months, following fellow Wales internationals Ryan Jones and Jonathan Thomas, and is determined to see the region develop into a European power. They won the Magners League last season but have never progressed beyond the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

"I feel bitterly disappointed if we fail to hit the highest standards that we all expect of the region," Jones said. "I give everything to the Ospreys, and I'm hopeful that over the next three years I can really help the team kick-on to the next level."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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