Alun wyn Jones will lead the Heineken Cup quarter-finalists the Ospreys into the new season after he was confirmed as the region's new skipper.
The 24-year old British and Irish Lions and Wales second row takes over the captaincy from Ryan Jones, who had held the post since 2007.
Since making his Ospreys debut at the Liberty Stadium in 2005, Alun Wyn Jones has gone to establish himself as a mainstay of both the Ospreys and Wales teams. He reached a century of regional appearances at the end of last season in the Magners League Play-Off semi-final against Glasgow.
Capped by Wales for the first time during the 2006 tour to Argentina, he has gone on to rack up 40 international appearances and was part of the 2008 Grand Slam team. He earned as well three caps with the Lions in South Africa last year.
Speaking after being appointed captain, Alun wyn said:
"I've captained my country once and I had a 20 minute stint with the Lions, and it's fair to say that I didn't really expect those honours so early in my career. It's the start of a new chapter in my rugby career I suppose, and in my personal development. Being captain of the regional side, and representing not just Swansea like I aspired to but also, the other famous clubs that make up the region, it's a big responsibility."
The Ospreys will start their Heineken Cup campaign in Toulon on Saturday, 9th October.
