The former Wales captain is taking on a new role at a critical time
Former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has joined the Ospreys’ board of directors with immediate effect.
The former lock, who made over 250 appearances and won three Celtic League and Pro 12 titles with the Ospreys during his playing career, has made his return at a crucial time for the region as it fights for its continued existence, having been pitted against the Scarlets in a direct battle for survival under Welsh Rugby Union plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three.
Jones, who was born and raised in Swansea, has been appointed to strengthen the board with the wealth of experience he gained during his playing career, as well as in his life outside of rugby. Further details of his responsibilities are set to be confirmed in due course.
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The Ospreys announced on Friday afternoon that the 40-year-old will join the board immediately and will no longer provide punditry or analysis on matches involving the region, having also moved into media work after hanging up his boots.
“Ospreys Rugby Limited today announced the appointment of Alun Wyn Jones to its Board of Directors, with immediate effect,” a club statement read. “The appointment reflects a deliberate step by the Board to strengthen its capability at a critical time for the region, as the Ospreys continue to develop both on and off the field and navigate the wider challenges facing professional rugby in Wales.
“Jones joins the Board as a director with defined responsibilities, bringing experience from across rugby, his post-playing career experience and the public sector, alongside a strong understanding of Swansea, the Ospreys and the region.”
As his appointment was confirmed, five-time Six Nations winner Jones said: “For me, 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.
“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.
“I have remained in contact with some staff and members of the Board. I have an understanding of the challenges facing rugby in Wales and the Ospreys,” he continued. “Equally, I can see the plans around the region, the development of St Helen’s and the energy within the supporter base.
“Ospreys and the supporters returning to St Helen’s, the growth of the region and the positive impact on the wider community, these are all connected to our results on the field.
“I am looking forward to working with familiar faces and helping to navigate the current landscape of professional rugby.”
James Davies-Yandle, CEO of Ospreys owners Y11, said that the appointment of Jones “makes a strong board stronger”, with the former Wales lock “earning the seat through preparation”.
“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.
“Alun Wyn’s experience from a playing perspective will be an asset in helping us connect even more effectively with the playing group and the wider organisation. He understands the standards required at the highest level and the demands that come with representing this club and this region.
“He has earned this seat through preparation, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Board at such a critical and exciting time for the Ospreys.”
The appointment means that Jones, who has appeared as a pundit on the BBC’s rugby coverage since retiring from the game, will no longer provide analysis on matches involving the Ospreys.
“Alun Wyn has agreed a straightforward protocol around his continuing media commitments, including that he will not provide punditry or analysis on Ospreys matches,” said board director Roger Blyth.
“The arrangement gives clarity around his responsibilities while allowing him to continue his wider media work. It is a sensible approach for someone who remains a prominent voice within the game.”
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