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Fans hail the legendary AW Jones' show of faith to Ospreys and WRU
Ever since Alun Wyn Jones lifted the Six Nations trophy in Cardiff in March, there has been a lot of speculation over his future with both Wales and the Ospreys.
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The talismanic lock had been linked with a number of lucrative moves, particularly across the border to the English Premiership. However, he has committed to the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union until June 2021.
The 125-cap Wales international took to social media to announce the news, saying this on Instagram: “After serious consideration and taking stock of all options, it is the right decision for my career at this point in time, along with my personal ambitions on and off the field, my welfare and needs of my family.”
There has been a significant reaction on social media from Welsh fans, who would have been fearing a future without the 2019 Six Nations player of the championship.
The second row’s stock could not be higher at the moment and his loyalty has been praised, particularly as there would have been a lot of demand from clubs that can offer a lot more money. His decision to stay in Swansea has only boosted his legendary status.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzsOsGAJKxc/
Some fans have stressed the importance of this decision, comparing Jones’ influence on Wales and the Ospreys to Lionel Messi’s with Barcelona.
However, it’s particularly important over the next two years as the national team will be going through a transitional phase after 11 years with the departing Warren Gatland.
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With Wayne Pivac taking over after the World Cup, Jones’ presence and leadership could prove crucial as a new system and structure is implemented.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzsSsr5ADoi/
Furthermore, some fans have been looking ahead to the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021. Although he is 33 now, there are not only calls for Jones to go on his fourth Lions tour, but to captain them.
It does not seem coincidental that Jones’ contract runs until the prestigious tour, as he has surely set his sights on avenging the series loss in 2009.
But for now, many Welsh fans are pleased that his future has been cleared up before the World Cup. This is what has been said:
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https://twitter.com/MarkTho91202887/status/1148529830046183425?s=20
Best signing/re-signing so far.a total leader on and off the https://t.co/ozZ9F0gV1H sir are what the ospreys are all about #ourbloodisblack
— Mark ?????????????????? (@72mdf) July 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/ospreylian1/status/1148527962288996352?s=20
Brilliant news, in this day and age, loyalty is sometimes hard to find!
— Andy Richards (@AndyR071) July 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/ospreylian1/status/1148530188898263040?s=20
Lions skipper 2021!
— Gareth Price (@gfcPricey) July 9, 2019
Gives him more chance of being fit for Lions tour in SA…. putting ambition over money again! #legend
— NickFielden (@NickFielden) July 9, 2019
Fantastic news and so pleased and relieved that you are staying with the @ospreys Looking forward to seeing you in the lounge next season & good luck in RWC2019 ??
— russ_e ? (@gogosprey) July 9, 2019
Don't think there are any other outstanding candidates for it. He deserves it too.
— Gregg ??????? (@GreggC_CC) July 9, 2019
After his monumental Six Nations campaign, leading Wales to the Grand Slam, Jones was viewed by many as the best player on the planet at the time.
A growing number of people even started calling him Wales’ greatest ever player. His place in the pantheon of Welsh greats is already comfortably secured, but this new deal has only enhanced his reputation.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments