Having made his debut for the region in a 34-17 win over Munster at St Helen's on the opening day of the 2004/05 season, Jones has made 97 appearances for the Ospreys to date, scoring 14 tries, and will be aiming to notch up a century of regional appearances over the coming weeks. In addition, he has 45 Wales caps to his credit and he has played three tests for the British & Irish Lions.
Speaking after signing his new contract, Ryan Jones said:
"Obviously I'm delighted that I've been able to agree this new contract and get everything signed up. I've always had fantastic support from everybody involved with the Ospreys and it's where I feel is home, not only for me, but also for my family.
"The Ospreys are my region, my team, and that will always be the case even when I've finished playing. I still believe that we are on the verge of something special with the set-up we have here. The players and the coaches are working hard together and I want to be a part of it. I don't want to play anywhere else, this is where I want to see out my career.
"The environment here is one that you want to feel a part of and the last few years have been great. I've got a fantastic relationship with our fans, together we've enjoyed some special memories over the last few years, as well as some not so good ones, and that has brought us closer together as a group. I genuinely believe that together, we can create many more great memories in the seasons to come and I find that genuinely exciting."
Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, added:
"It's fantastic news for everybody involved with the Ospreys that Ryan has signed this new contract. It's important that we have individuals here who want to take us forward as an organisation.
"Ryan certainly fits that description, as a rugby player and also, importantly, as a person. He's been an Osprey for a number of years now and he really feels at home here, and has developed a real affinity for the people and the region.
"Ryan loves this region with a passion and for us to go forward we need people with that drive in the camp, and I'm delighted that he has committed himself to the Ospreys for the long term."
Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, said:
"The game has moved on and it's no secret that I don't see locks or back rowers anymore, it's about back five players. Ryan has shown an understanding of this and a willingness to do what works for the team, and I think we saw against London Irish how that works. Ryan's athleticism and skill levels will allow him to perform for us irrespective of the number on his back, and now that we know he will be a part of our squad for a number of seasons yet, I'm looking forward to working with him to help develop an all round game that will become synonymous with the Ospreys."
63x46.png){kind=logo}