Friday 16 March 2018 11:35, UK
Alun Wyn Jones has signed a new national dual contract (NDC) with the Welsh Rugby Union and Ospreys to commit his future to the Guinness PRO14 side.
It is the third such deal the 32-year-old has signed, although it has not been confirmed how long the new contract will last.
The WRU said the union and Ospreys "have worked together in collaboration with Alun Wyn to put together an individual programme that will enable his workload and welfare to be fully managed, providing the best preparation for the forthcoming season".
Jones said: "I'm thankful for the collaboration between the WRU and Ospreys, which will look after my best interests and enables me to play the best rugby possible.
"To be continuing my journey with the Ospreys is probably something I wouldn't have predicted at the start of my career.
"But having the opportunity to sign a new NDC at this point helps with the quality and quantity of the rugby that I play, and hopefully will prolong my playing opportunities."
WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said: "Alun Wyn committing his future to the game here in Wales is another huge boost for Welsh rugby.
"He is renowned and respected as a player and leader, and his commitment to the Ospreys and to Wales is hugely significant. It is fantastic that another world-class player will remain in Wales.
"This announcement will also help drive our long-term focus on retaining young Welsh talent, as young players will learn and benefit from Alun Wyn's experience within our environment, and that will help shape the next generation of Wales players."
Jones first signed an NDC in March 2015, and the deal will be 60 per cent funded by the WRU and 40 per cent by Ospreys.
The lock is set to win his 117th cap for Wales in their Six Nations clash with France in Cardiff on Saturday.
