Jones chooses Ospreys over Leinster

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2010/0616/jonesr.html

Welsh born Ireland Under-18 cap Ross Jones is to return to Wales to play rugby next season after signing a three-year development contract with the Ospreys.

18-year old Jones played for Leinster's U-18 side last season and had been named in the U-19 squad for the 2010/11 campaign, but has opted for a move to the Ospreys instead.

Born in Llanelli, Jones moved with his family to Dublin 10 years ago due to his father's employment, leading to him representing Ireland at U-18 level during this season's Five Nations Festival which was held at Llandovery RFC in April.

Speaking about the move he said: 'I'm really excited about signing for the Ospreys and coming home to Wales. I've had a look around Llandarcy and the set-up is pretty amazing, I can't wait for pre-season to start now.

'Although I recently played for Ireland, I am Welsh; When Wales play Ireland I'm always wearing a red jersey not a green one! The Ospreys are giving me a fantastic opportunity and I'm really looking forward to working with the coaches and players there.

'Lee Byrne is probably the best full-back in the world so it'll be good to learn from him, and hopefully, in the future I can reach the senior Ospreys team and maybe even wear the red jersey for real!

'There's an excellent development system at the Ospreys and a lot of really good young players so it's a good place for me to be.'

Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, added: 'We are committed to developing young Welsh talent at the Ospreys, and as such, are extremely pleased to be able to bring Ross back to Wales and to give him the opportunity to carve out a playing career in his homeland.

'Our scouting network had identified him as an exciting young prospect, and he now has a three year development contract with the region.

'The structures and systems in place here are geared towards giving young players such as Ross every opportunity of representing both the Ospreys and Wales, and we look forward to welcoming him into our set-up when he reports for pre-season training.'

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Well its nice to get one back after losing the Ruddock lads.

 

[profitius]

He is Welsh so its a logical move.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

He's a good player and a very proficient goal kicker. Jones can play 10 (it's where he played for his school) but he's much more comfortable at full back. From his point of view moving from Leinster is a good call because the province is swimming in good 15's at the moment.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Mind you, the Ospreys aren't doing badly for fullbacks themselves, with Byrne, Davies, Owen and Prydie all contendors and all more than capable of playing well there, with Bowe, Hook and Fussell also able to cover the jersy.