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Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones joins Ospreys board amid URC club’s fight for survival Welsh rugby icon Alun Wyn Jones has joined the Ospreys board of directors with immediate effect, the United Rugby Championship (URC) outfit have confirmed. The former lock forward spent the bulk of his playing career at the Swansea-based side, making his debut in 2005 and tallying 257 appearances in an 18-year stint before heading to Toulon in 2023. However, his appointment on the board comes with the Ospreys in a fight for survival, with either them or the Scarlets set to be axed as the Welsh Rugby Union look to move to three professional sides by the start of the 2028/29 season. Alun Wyn Jones joins Ospreys board with immediate effect Commenting on joining the Ospreys’ board, 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. WRU condemn ‘highly personal insults and attacks’ as Union doubles down on three-region plan “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. Equally, I can see the plans around the region, the development of St Helen’s and the energy within the supporter base. Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust. “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, chairman, CEO and Founder of Y11, owners of Ospreys, added: “We were not looking for a figurehead. 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.” Jones’ appointment also comes amid the backdrop of the Ospreys’ move to St Helens, as the region continues with their redevelopment plans on the site.