Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones signs new deal with Ospreys

The 35-year-old lock led Wales to the Six Nations title last month and is front-runner to skipper the British and Irish Lions against South Africa.

Jones, a talisman for club and country, has extended his contract until the end of 2021/22 and then the forward will assess whether he fancies a crack at a fifth World Cup in 2023.

Announcing the agreement on social media, Jones said: "Earlier this year I extended my contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys. I'm really pleased to have done so and to continue my career with my region.

Wales' Alun Wyn Jones (centre) during the warm up before the Guinness Six Nations match at Stadio Olimpico, Rome. Picture date: Saturday March 13, 2021.

"In these very different times off the field and with rugby the focus on the field, I didn't feel the time was right to announce when I put pen to paper, but I am very pleased to extend my current contract for another year.

"I'm grateful that I get to continue to do what I love and to continue playing for the Ospreys.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my career to date and particularly through these difficult times."

Jones is the most-capped player in the world with 148 appearances for Wales and nine more for the Lions.

Wayne Pivac is thrilled that his leader will continue for at least another season.

"Alun will go down as one of the greatest players of all time but he is still at the top of the game, performing and winning and he deserves the contract extension, he is an important part of our future," said the New Zealander.

"It is not just what he does on the field, it is what he does every minute of every training session. He leads both on and off the field in everything that he does.

"He has huge pride in the jersey and playing for his country and that is evident in his preparation, his effort and commitment."

Ospreys' Alun Wyn Jones (right) speaks with Justin Tipuric during the Heineken Challenge Cup match at Liberty Stadium, Swansea. Picture date: Saturday April 3, 2021.

Jones puts the same effort into Ospreys action as he does on the Test stage.

Head coach Toby Booth is pleased the squad will continue to learn from the best.

"His presence on the field is mirrored with influence on the culture of our team off the field. This will undoubtedly be at the forefront of our improvement going forward."