Rhodri Jones v Ulster

Rhodri Jones extends stay at Ospreys

Prop Rhodri Jones has pledged his future to the Ospreys and signed a new contract for the next two seasons.

The 17-times capped Welsh international is the third senior squad member of the Ospreys to commit his future to the Liberty Stadium.

Jones, 28, joined the Ospreys from the Scarlets in 2016 and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad. Jones made his debut back in October 2016 in the regions 45-0 win over Newcastle in the Challenge Cup. 

Rhodri Jones
"I am really happy to sign a new contract and stay at the Ospreys for the next couple of seasons"

"I am really happy to sign a new contract and stay at the Ospreys for the next couple of seasons," said Jones.

"I feel there's a healthy competition here with a lot of quality in the front row and it helps to get the best out of each other and that's shown with how well our scrum in particular has been going this season.

"I feel I have really developed my game here over the last few seasons, especially with someone like Duncan Jones on the staff at the Ospreys. 

"Being able to tap into his experience and knowledge has been important for my development as a player. I will play anywhere for the team but being allowed to focus on one role has been important for me."

Jones underwent shoulder surgery at the beginning of December and is progressing well under a rehabilitation programme designed by Ospreys medical and fitness teams. He is targeting a return for pre-season.

"Prior to my injury I felt I was playing my best rugby and picking up momentum and enjoying playing regularly for the Ospreys," said Jones.

"I'm currently working hard to get back to full fitness with the top quality physios and conditioning team we have here.

"Injuries are always frustrating and being out now, in particular, is frustrating because you want to help the boys out and lend a hand.

"We are having a tough time regarding injuries and results but there is the talent and experience in this squad to change all that."

Dan Griffiths, Ospreys Rugby General Manager
"He is a diligent professional and has impressed everyone at the Ospreys with his work ethic and attitude."

Jones was a Wales U20s international before he graduated to the full Wales squad. The loosehead currently has 68 appearances under his belt for the Ospreys, with 1 try to his name which came against Stade Francais in December 2018. 

He was named in the Wales squad to face Australia in December 2011, before he made his Test debut against the Barbarians the following June at the Millennium Stadium as it was named then.

Dan Griffiths, Ospreys Rugby General Manager, says Jones has proved his value to the team since his arrival at the Liberty Stadium.

"Rhodri has played some of the best of rugby of his career since he came to the Ospreys," said Griffiths.

"We identified the front row as an area where we needed some real strength-in-depth, and Rhodri has definitely given us that. 

"He is a diligent professional and has impressed everyone at the Ospreys with his work ethic and attitude."

Jones, who was born in Aberystwyth and is a Welsh speaker, is also an official Ospreys in the Community Ambassador, after coming on board to support the Trosiad programme, which is designed to encourage children to learn and speak Welsh.