Alun Wyn Jones is poised to return to the Ospreys as a director, with the former Wales captain set to be confirmed as a board member by the Swansea based club next week.
Jones, who retired in 2023, made his Ospreys debut in 2005, a year after breaking through with Swansea RFC. During his time there, he helped the club to three titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup triumph.
His return arrives at a turbulent time for the Ospreys, who are battling for survival under Welsh Rugby Union plans to cut professional men’s teams to three. WRU owned Cardiff and the privately backed Dragons are expected to be granted licences, which would effectively leave the Ospreys competing with Llanelli based Scarlets for one place in the west.
The club have publicly opposed the WRU’s proposals, arguing that a four team model remains the best route forward. They have also gone through a summer of change, having spent last season based in Bridgend. For the 2026-27 campaign, they are due to play at a revamped St Helen’s in Swansea, following a joint redevelopment project with Swansea Council.
Their first home game in the United Rugby Championship is scheduled against the Dragons on 24 October, with a Cardiff derby to follow shortly after.
On the field, the Ospreys have said goodbye to Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan, both of whom have joined Gloucester. Head coach Mark Jones has responded with a busy recruitment drive. Wales back Tom Rogers has signed from the Scarlets, and three Australians, Liam Wright, Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi, have also agreed deals. A move for former Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete is also being lined up.
The Ospreys competed under a cloud of uncertainty last season when owners Y11 Sports and Media attempted to takeover rivals Cardiff, a move that collapsed in April.
Jones’s appointment is expected to be officially confirmed by the club next week.
