Wales great Jones returns to Ospreys as a director

Ospreys have confirmed the return of former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones as a director.

The 40-year-old has become a board member at the Swansea-based team with immediate effect.

Jones made his Ospreys debut in 2005, a year after he broke through with Swansea RFC, and helped the club to three titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup triumph.

The former lock is to return at a turbulent time amid their fight for survival under Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plans to cut to three professional men's sides.

"I have an understanding of the challenges facing rugby in Wales and the Ospreys," said Jones.

"Equally, I can see the plans around the region, the development of St Helen's and the energy within the supporter base."

WRU-owned Cardiff and privately-backed Dragons are poised to get licences, which will effectively pit Ospreys against Llanelli-based Scarlets for a solitary spot in the west.

The Ospreys have criticised the WRU plans - stating that they believe a four-team model remains the way forward - and have had a summer of change.

After spending last season in Bridgend, they will play at a revamped St Helen's in the 2026-27 campaign thanks to a joint redevelopment venture with Swansea Council.

Jones is relishing being a part of a new era at a ground where he played for both sides when Swansea faced Barbarians to celebrate their 150th year in 2023.

"This is about bringing together my experience from rugby, business and life after playing, to help drive long-term growth and stability for the organisation," said the former lock.

"What I've built up on and off the field speaks directly to this role and to where the region wants to go. There's a real opportunity here, not just for the Ospreys, but for the wider development of Swansea.

"I know the game, I know the city and I know the region. I played for Swansea RFC and came through the Ospreys and national academy. I understand both the history here and the greater potential that exists."

Ospreys played amid uncertainty last season when owners Y11 Sports and Media attempted to take over rivals Cardiff, only for the deal to collapse in April.

Chairman James Davies-Yandle is confident that the appointment of Jones, who won 158 caps for Wales and 12 for the British and Irish Lions, will help drive the club forward.

"We were not looking for a figurehead," he said. "We were looking for a director who understands this club from the inside, and who can also stand up in a boardroom, hold his own and have a view on the detail.

"It was already a strong board, this makes it stronger."

Ospreys' first fixture at the revamped St Helen's is scheduled to be against Dragons in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on 24 October, swiftly followed by another home derby against Cardiff.

Ospreys have lost Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan to Gloucester, but head coach Mark Jones has had a busy recruitment drive.

Wales back Tom Rogers has signed from Scarlets and three Australians have arrived in Liam Wright, Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi, with another move lined up for ex-Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete.