Alun Wyn Jones has said his Ospreys career is over after confirming he won't be returning to the region next season.
The Wales legend, who announced his retirement from international rugby in May, also hinted that he had been offered a new opportunity in the domestic game while suggesting he could line up against Warren Gatland's side later this year with the Barbarians.
Jones captained the BaaBaas in their game against a World XV at Twickenham last weekend before featuring for both the invitational side and former club Swansea in midweek. While he insisted after the game at St Helen's that he "has got a lot of life left in him," he has made it clear he won't be continuing his career with the Ospreys, having made his debut way back in 2005.
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Speaking on The Barbarians Show podcast in an episode recorded prior to the World XV clash, the 37-year-old cleared up some of the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future as he admitted it was "the right time" to walk away from international rugby despite the lure of a fifth World Cup in France this year.
Explaining his decision to call time on his Wales career, Jones said: "As I said in my statement, there was a dialogue going along and it was the right time essentially. [As for] whatever's next, if something pops up, there might be something domestic, I won't be back with the Ospreys.
"But if nothing does I can be pretty happy with my innings anyway, but we'll see what comes in the next few months".
Attention then turned to his new role as Barbarians skipper and with more invitational games planned for this autumn, Jones has not ruled out lining up against Wales in the famous black and white jersey.
"There's a game against Wales in November that the BaaBaas have got as well," he added. "So you never know".
That fixture is yet to be officially confirmed, although a Principality Stadium fixture in November or December to offer some retiring Welsh legends a send-off has been mooted.
Jones made the comments on the podcast days before playing what many believed could be his last in professional rugby, a suggestion fuelled by his remarks after the World XV game.
Asked about his future in a post-match interview with Channel 5, he said: "Ah, there is a lot of life left in me, whether that's in rugby, I don't know yet."
The legendary lock announced his shock retirement from international rugby on May 19 just hours after teammates Justin Tipuric confirmed he was also standing down from the Test scene with immediate effect.
Confirming his decision, Jones said that his 17-year career had been a "dream come true" and he would "look back on special memories with Welsh greats and future Welsh greats".
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In a statement, he wrote: "Having been selected in the preliminary RWC squad and after ongoing dialogue with the coaching staff and WRU I have decided to step away from the international game. So, after 17 years I look back on special memories with Welsh greats and future Welsh greats. My grandfather and father nurtured my passion for rugby in my younger days which has continued throughout.
"The opportunity to be professional in the sport I love was a dream come true and to represent my home region, the Ospreys and clubs within the region, namely Mumbles and particularly Bonymaen who guided me in my formative years, was beyond special and something for which I am hugely grateful.
"A huge thank you to the staff and players who have been part of my journey, I wish you well for the future," he added. "To the supporters, thank you for the support and making the most special occasions even more memorable. To the people closest to me, my family, I couldn’t have done it without you. Through injury, loss and success, you’ve always been there and will be for whatever’s next. Despite all I have accomplished, my children will always be my biggest achievement. Diolch, Alun Wyn."
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