Sport

Alun Wyn Jones joins Ospreys board

21 Aug 2026 4 minute read

Alun Wyn Jones holds off Ashton Hewitt of the Dragons. Photo ©Huw Evans Picture Agency

Mark Mansfield

Wales rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones has joined the board of the Ospreys with immediate effect.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain has been appointed as a director at a crucial time for the region, which is fighting Welsh Rugby Union plans that could ultimately see it lose its professional licence.

Jones, who spent the bulk of his playing career with the Ospreys and was born and raised in Swansea, joins as the club prepares for its first full season at St Helen’s.

He 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.

“Equally, I can see the plans around the region, the development of St Helen’s and the energy within the supporter base.”

The appointment comes as the Ospreys face uncertainty over their longer-term future.

The WRU announced last month that it intends to reduce the number of professional men’s teams in Wales from four to three by 2028, with Cardiff and the Dragons set to receive two of the licences.

That leaves the Ospreys and Scarlets competing for the remaining west Wales licence.

The Ospreys have vowed to fight the move, arguing that four sustainable professional teams remain the best model for Welsh rugby.

The process for deciding which club receives the west Wales licence is expected to begin in December, with a decision due before the end of the 2026-27 season.

Meanwhile, work is continuing on the redevelopment of St Helen’s, backed by £5.1m from Swansea Council and £2.5m from Ospreys owners Y11 Sports & Media.

The club’s first United Rugby Championship fixture at the ground is scheduled against the Dragons on October 24.

‘Active role’

Y11 founder and chief executive James Davies-Yandle said Jones had been appointed to play an active role in the running of the club.

He said: “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 will continue his media work, although he has agreed not to provide punditry or analysis on Ospreys matches.

Protocol

Ospreys board director Roger Blyth said: “Alun Wyn has agreed a straightforward protocol around his continuing media commitments, including that he will not provide punditry or analysis on Ospreys matches.

“The arrangement gives clarity around his responsibilities while allowing him to continue his wider media work.”

Jones added: “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.”

The club said further details of Jones’s responsibilities on the board would be confirmed in due course.

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