Alun Wyn Jones is glad he remained with the Ospreys © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Alun Wyn Jones | Jamie Roberts

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Teams: Cardiff Blues | Ospreys | Wales

Alun Wyn Jones insists he has no regrets about resisting lucrative offers to join play in France.

The Wales lock was wanted by Clermont Auvergne and Toulouse 18 months ago when his Ospreys contract was coming to an end. But he opted not to join the growing number of British players leaving these shores for big-money contracts in the French Top 14.

And the British & Irish Lions lock insists he is happy with that decision after regaining his form on the field and his international place.

"I was very flattered by the interest from France," he told Walesonline. "But the Ospreys is my region and I thought I still had a lot to give. I'd started something there that I wanted to continue with.

"I was captain as well and didn't really have a great first year and I knew I would miss a fair amount of the following season because of the World Cup. So I believed I had unfinished business as captain. We were still working towards what we had set out to achieve, reconfiguring the squad, and I'm happy to be part of that.

"I've no regrets. I don't think you can afford to. It is what it is. I am enjoying my rugby at the moment. My game was probably in the doldrums about 18 months ago. I'm pretty happy at the moment. So no, no regrets."

The lure of France was too good for Jamie Roberts to resist though and the Wales centre recently agreed a deal to join Racing Metro when his current deal with Cardiff expires. Jones admits Roberts' departure will be a loss for Cardiff and Welsh rugby.

"First and foremost, Jamie has got to make the decision for himself," Jones said. "He's done that and there will be reasons for it. It's a tough decision to make to go away.

"From a Blues' perspective, they've created a great player and they haven't been able to keep him. It will be a loss to the region. But he's made that decision and you've got to get on with it. It was a bit different for me. Going out there as a forward can shorten your career somewhat, whereas if you go out as a back you will be OK."