Duncan signs new deal

An Ospreys 'original' who has been with his home region since its inception in the summer of 2003, Jones was out of contract at the end of this season. However, he has now committed himself to the Ospreys until the end of the 2014/15 campaign.

Having made his regional debut midway through the Ospreys inaugural season, featuring in a Heineken Cup defeat to Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon, he has been a mainstay of the region for a decade. He currently stands third in the all-time Ospreys appearance list on 182, just six behind Andrew Bishop at the top of the pile.

"I'm delighted to have sorted out the next couple of years"said Jones after signing his new deal.

"This is my home region and I've always enjoyed playing here. Since the very first day of the Ospreys we've always been faced with challenges, and it's the sign of a progressive organisation that we've always responded in the right way and used those challenges to evolve.

"I think we are at the start of another new challenge here, right now. A lot of the faces have changed and I think it is an exciting time. We've got a lot of youngsters starting to make their mark and I'm pleased to be around to help in whatever way I can to help keep the Ospreys at the top.

"I haven't signed for two years just to make up the numbers though. I realise that Ryan Bevington is playing very well but I intend fighting him all the way for the shirt over the next two years."

Andy Lloyd, Ospreys Rugby Operations Manager, commented:

"Duncan has been outstanding for the Ospreys since day one. He has a huge desire to represent the Ospreys and he still considers it an honour to do so, even after 10 years, which is an example to any young players coming through the ranks,

""It's great to have people like Duncan in the environment, sharing his knowledge and setting the highest standards for both himself and the wider group. He does a great job in the scrum and around the field, while off the field he is fantastic working with younger boys coming through, passing on his considerable knowledge. His work ethic remains second to none, he is the ultimate professional who gives everything to the cause.

"It's important for the future of the region that we can call on the services of individuals who live by the right values. As a business, thanks to the work being done behind the scenes we are in a stronger position to make strategic decisions for the long-term good of the region, including retaining the services of people like Duncan."

The news of Duncan signing a new deal comes two weeks after Joe Bearman and Rhys Webb committed their futures to the Ospreys, along with the announcement of the addition to the squad of Italian international Tito Tebaldi for next season. Young forwards James King and Lloyd Peers have also committed their futures to the region.