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Guinness PRO12: British and Irish Lions star Adam Jones joins Cardiff Blues

Image: Adam Jones: Moving to Cardiff Blues

Wales prop Adam Jones has left the Ospreys and signed for Cardiff Blues.

The British & Irish Lions star is regarded as one of the best props in world rugby and the news is a huge blow for the Ospreys.

Jones' agents confirmed Jones' move on their Twitter account, accompanied by a picture of the player.

"All parties delighted that @adamjones3 has signed with @cardiff--blues," they tweeted.

We are disappointed with this outcome having worked closely with Adam over a period of many months to find a resolution to the situation that satisfied all parties.
Ospreys statement

 Jones’ contract with the Ospreys finished at the end of last season, but a new deal was on the table.

He was caught up in the middle of the long-running dispute between the WRU and the regions, and the Ospreys admit their most recent contract offer was dependent on a peace deal materialising.

“We are disappointed with this outcome having worked closely with Adam over a period of many months to find a resolution to the situation that satisfied all parties,” the club said in a statement.

“An initial contract offer that was unconditional on any Participation Agreement was made as far back as 2012, an offer that was declined by the player.

“A further unconditional offer was then made in October 2013 which was subsequently declined as he declared his interest in signing a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Offer

“When the proposed central contract failed to materialise we re-entered negotiations and, in good faith, made a new contract offer to the player which was dependent on the terms of any new Participation Agreement which may be concluded.

“As has been widely reported, that offer still remains on the table.

“While we remain in a difficult situation in terms of no resolution to the Participation Agreement and not knowing our full revenue stream for 2014/15 and beyond, our financial forward planning allowed us to re-contract 16 players as well as completing the signing of eight new players for the coming season. 

“Unfortunately, with Adam rejecting unconditional offers that were made prior to the expiry of the previous Participation Agreement, the reduction in guaranteed income post 31st December had a direct impact on our ability to re-contract, particularly with other player commitments already completed.”

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