Welsh Rugby
Jones hints he may quit Ospreys
ESPN Staff
August 9, 2013
Lions hero Adam Jones fears he may have to leave Wales in order to be financially secure © Getty Images
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Wales prop Adam Jones has hinted he may have to quit the Ospreys in order to achieve financial security for his family.

Jones, who helped propel the British & Irish Lions to an historic series victory over Australia last month, is out of contract with his Swansea-based region at the end of the season and has sparked fears he may become the latest name to opt for a big money move away from the principality.

Welsh rugby has suffered a talent drain in recent years with Jones' Wales and Lions team-mates Jamie Roberts, Dan Lydiate and George North just the latest players to have turned their back on Welsh rugby in recent months in favour of lucrative offers from France's Top 14 and England's Premiership. Fellow internationals Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones are also the subject of intense speculation with their contracts also running out at the end of the forthcoming season.

"I have to look at what is best for me and my family...whether it is to stay here or go to France," the 32-year-old told the BBC. "As much as I love this region (Ospreys), if I can look after my family by going to play in France, I am willing to do that. You would be dull to turn that money down. I wouldn't want to cut any ties with the region but my family comes first and I have to look at that very seriously if any offers come in."

Jones opted against a big money move to the continent in 2012 in favour of a new two-year deal with the Ospreys and has begun fresh contract talks with his current employers. But with his next contract likely to be his last, the three-time Six Nations Grand Slam winner is aware of the need to maximise his returns.

"We sat down last week with the Ospreys," said Jones. "Nothing has happened since and we just have to wait and see what happens now and what offer comes on the table."

He added: "I'm an Ospreys boy, I've always been here, so that's still a big draw for me."

Jones also has his eyes on what would be a fourth Rugby World Cup appearance in 2015 with any move outside of Wales likely to impact on his availability - but he believes it would be possible to continue his international career. "I'll be retiring from international rugby after the World Cup," he said. "I'll only be playing club rugby, then, so it would only be the one season I'd have to juggle things."

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