91Èȱ¬

Wales and Ospreys second row forward Alun Wyn Jones has signed an extension to his national dual contract.

The Ospreys skipper's current deal, agreed in March 2015, was due to expire at the end of this season.

Jones, 30, joins regional and Wales team-mates Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb in renewing a dual deal.

"With my future now sorted I can continue to represent the Ospreys and put myself in contention for selection for Wales," Jones said.

"I'm grateful to everybody involved for giving me the time to make the correct decision for myself, my family and my career."

Fly-half Biggar was the first player to renew his dual contract on 4 December, with Webb following suit.

Dual contracts are 60% funded by the WRU and 40% by the regions.

Jones, 30, has played 94 times for Wales and in six Tests for the British and Irish Lions since making his debut for the regional side in 2005.

91Èȱ¬ Wales Sport has learned clubs from around the world showed an interest in securing Jones' signature.

Jones is one of the key players in the Welsh game. He is approaching 200 appearances for Ospreys and has been the first-choice lock under Wales coach Warren Gatland since the New Zealander took over in 2007.

He has also captained Wales and led the Lions in the third Test against Australia in 2013, when the tourists beat the Wallabies 41-16 to clinch a 2-1 Test series win.

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips described Jones as a leader "on and off the pitch."

"It's a significant boost to us all in Welsh rugby to see his commitment to the game in this country," Phillips said.