Ospreys: Prop Duncan Jones announces retirement from rugby

Jones represented Wales at every level from schools to the national side, including the Grand Slam-winning Under-21 team of 1999

Wales international Duncan Jones has announced his retirement from rugby after failing to recover from a foot injury.

The Ospreys loose-head prop won 57 caps and two Grand Slams for Wales during an international career from 2001-09.

Jones, who made his professional debut for Neath in in 1998, suffered his injury at the start of the year.

"I had hoped that I could stick around a little bit longer but unfortunately that's not to be," he said.

"I'm grateful to everybody I've worked with at Neath, with Wales, and, in particular at the Ospreys, for all the support I've had and for allowing me to enjoy some fantastic experiences and memories that will stay with me forever.

"I'm really disappointed that I've had to make this decision at such an exciting time for the Ospreys.

"There's a real buzz about the group at the moment having qualified for the play-offs and, personally speaking, it's disappointing that I can't help with the final push in the semis and, fingers crossed, the final.

"Looking a little further ahead, we have a strong set of props here, many of whom will be going to the World Cup later in the year.

"I had hoped that I could maybe stick around a little bit longer to help some of the youngsters who'll still be involved during that period, but unfortunately that's not to be."

Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy described Jones - the club's all-time record appearance maker - as an "amazing servant".

"He is an outstanding rugby player and there is no doubt that he is a true Ospreys legend," Tandy said.