The Wales captain Ryan Jones has stood down as captain of the Magners League champions, the Ospreys, making way for his fellow Wales and British and Irish Lions international Alun Wyn Jones.
He said: “I’ve captained my country once and I had a 20-minute stint with the Lions, and it’s fair to say that I didn’t really expect those honours so early in my career.
“I always watched Swansea growing up, I always aspired to play for the club and then, when rugby went regional, to play for the Ospreys. To be appointed captain is one of the memorable moments in your career, it’s a fantastic honour. It’s the start of a new chapter in my rugby career I suppose, and in my personal development."
Director of coaching, Scott Johnson, said that the decision to appoint Alun Wyn had been made after lengthy discussions with several parties, including the outgoing skipper, who is likely to hold on to his role as Wales captain for the fortcoming autumn international series.
“This appointment is about what’s best for everyone. Ryan has done a fantastic job as Ospreys captain over the last three years; his record with the region and Wales speaks for itself. However, holding both roles brings with it a tremendous workload that can take its toll on and off the field, particularly going into a long season that has a World Cup at the end of it," said Johnson. "We feel that it’s in Ryan’s best interests, and the Ospreys and Wales for that matter, if he can focus on the national captaincy going into this important season, with the responsibility of the regional role handed to someone else."
Ryan Jones said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as captain of the Ospreys, it’s meant a huge amount to me and my family over the last three years. It’s not a position that anyone relinquishes lightly, but we’ve had lengthy discussions about it over the summer and it’s the best move for the Ospreys and for Wales moving forward.
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