By Graham Thomas
Wales prop Rhodri Jones has confirmed he will leave the Scarlets this summer to join the Ospreys.
It means the tight-head, who has found his chances limited by competition with Samson Lee, will have to give up his current national dual contract, shared by the Scarlets and the Welsh Rugby Union.
Jones, 24, has won 13 Wales caps but since switching from loose-head he has struggled to be picked for the Scarlets’ major matches.
“I’m very excited about this move. I’ve enjoyed my time with the Scarlets but this is a great opportunity for me professionally,” said Jones.
“The Ospreys are a team that is competitive on all fronts, one that is up there with the best so it’s a real challenge for me to establish myself in the squad, although I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ve thrown myself into the challenge of switching sides in the scrum and it’s been hard at times, but the Ospreys have a great record for developing forwards and going there will really help me to kick on as a tight-head.”
While Jones is swapping one region in the west for another, fellow prop Sam Hobbs is doing the same in the east of Wales.
After over 100 appearances for the Cardiff Blues, Hobbs will move to the Newport Gwent Dragons at the end of the season.
Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones said: “I have always been impressed with Sam as an all-round player.
“When we were made aware of his availability, we had no hesitation in making him an offer to stay in Wales, beating off offers from England.
“He will add a great deal of experience and character to a maturing Newport Gwent Dragons squad.”
Another prop, Wales veteran Gethin Jenkins, has signed a new deal to stay the Cardiff Blues for another season.
The 35-year-old will play a 12th campaign at the Arms Park and head coach Danny Wilson said: “We are naturally very pleased that Gethin has signed a new contract to extend his career at Cardiff Blues.
“Gethin is a vastly experienced prop who demands the highest standards from himself and those around him and has excelled at both regional and international level over the last decade.
“There will be real competition for the loose-head prop jersey in our squad next season with the likes of Gethin and Rhys Gill.
“Gethin will also be the ideal role model and mentor for the talented young players within our squad and those coming through our system and who we believe have a bright future with us.”
