Former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is expected to return to the Ospreys as a board director, with an announcement anticipated next week. His return matters because it comes while the Swansea-based club faces an uncertain future under Welsh Rugby Union plans to reduce the professional men’s game to three teams.

Jones, 40, made his Ospreys debut in 2005 and helped them win three titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup before retiring in 2023. The Ospreys oppose the proposed three-team model and are competing with Scarlets for one western licence, while also preparing to move to a redeveloped St Helen’s for the 2026-27 season.