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. 

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. 

With Wayne Pivac taking over after the World Cup, Jones’ presence and leadership could prove crucial as a new system and structure is implemented. 

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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: 

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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