Cardiff Blues sign Adam Jones

Adam Jones will be wearing the Cardiff Blues jersey next season after agreeing to join the Welsh region.
After his contract with the Ospreys ran out, and with the political unrest between the WRU and the Regions, the British and Irish Lions prop was left without a club until today.
He said: “This is about a new challenge for me. At this stage in my career I want a new environment and to really push myself. “I’ve been really impressed by the set-up at Blues and the desire to achieve in the coming years under the leadership of Mark Hammett. It is that ambition and potential for the future that excites me about this move.
“Obviously I would like to thank everyone at the Ospreys – from the players and coaches to the wonderful supporters – who have been absolutely fantastic with me. I wish the region every success for the future.”
Director of Rugby  Mark Hammett added: “Adam has joined the Blues determined to achieve something special with us. He is as hungry as ever for success and a very driven man.
“Adam wants to make a difference and that is exactly why we want him here. He will be great for the younger players to learn off and is a world class tight-head prop who will add considerably to the squad we are assembling. He will improve what we are doing and I’m thrilled he is now a Blue for this season.”
In a statement released earlier the Ospreys said: “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.
“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.
“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.”