Alun Wyn set to sign new dual contract

ALUN WYN Jones is set to sign a new Wales contract aimed at extending his monumental international career to a fourth World Cup.

The WRU are finalising plans for an official announcement that their captain has agreed terms to renew his dual contract to take him to Japan in 21 months time for a tournament that coincides with his 34th birthday.

After months of speculation, Jones is prepared to prolong his 13-year career with the Ospreys who pay 40 per cent of the joint contract with Wales paying the remainder.

Jones, whose record of almost 400 matches reflects his enduring consistency, is being advised that staying in Wales offers him a better chance of prolonging his career at the highest level than moving – even though he is free to do so without

jeopardising his Test status.

Barry Williams, the former Wales and Lions hooker who led the Ospreys when the teenaged Jones made his debut, said: “I really hope he signs a new NDC (National Dual Contract) because it’s best for him as well as for Wales. They will ensure he is not over-played and that could easily ensure he gets another two or three years.

“Alun Wyn’s his own man. You won’t rush him but everyone can see the benefit of the NDC for the top Welsh players and what it’s done in particular for Sam Warburton. It’s enabled him to have a full MoT so he’ll be raring to go next season.’’

Before Jones leads Wales into his 125th Test in Ireland on Saturday, head coach Warren Gatland’s most crucial decision will be over his choice of fly half – Rhys Patchell, Gareth Anscombe or Dan Biggar.

Gatland has three options: whether to revert to Patchell, his starting ten who struggled to make an impact at Twickenham, allow the impressive Anscombe to continue where he left off against England or recall Biggar, ahead of schedule.

Biggar may not have played since damaging a shoulder in the Champions’ Cup at Clermont a month ago but the Osprey’s mastery of the high ball is ever more appealing after the Welsh kicking game came apart against England.

George North, a second half substitute against England, is earmarked to reclaim his starting position on one wing. The same goes for Liam Williams following his try-scoring return for Saracens.

A fit Leigh Halfpenny being too valuable to leave out, Gatland could change his entire back three with North for Josh Adams and Williams for Steff Evans.

Ireland plan to recall Munster centre Chris Farrell in place of Robbie Henshaw, out of the tournament after dislocating a shoulder against Italy.