Lion keen to stay with Scarlets

Double Lions tourist Stephen Jones has pledged his future to the Scarlets. [more]

Lion keen to stay with Scarlets

Double Lions tourist Stephen Jones has pledged his future to the Scarlets.

Media speculation had linked the Wales fly-half been with a summer switch to Leicester Tigers.

But Jones, who featured in six successive Tests for the Lions in 2005 and 2009, has insisited he wants to remain in West Wales for the rest of his career.

"I’m trying to sort out my future with the Scarlets. Hopefully I can get to an agreement soon," said the 32-year-old who beat Ireland’s Ronan O’Gara to the No10 shirt on last summer’s Lions tour of South Africa.

"I’m enjoying my rugby here, I want things to be done as soon as possible and I want to finish my career here."

Jones is currently in his second spell with the Scarlets, having returned from a two-year stint with Clermont Auvergne in France in 2008.

The region themselves have also made it clear that they have no intention of letting one of their star players depart for a second time, with chief executive Paul Sergeant stating that they have not had an approach from the Tigers regarding a possible move for Jones.

"We know that journalists have a job to do and, contrary to popular belief, it’s not an easy one because there is a huge pressure to deliver big stories 24/7,” said Sergeant.

"However speculative articles and publishing of rumours, such as this, can be frustrating and uncomfortable for those on the receiving end including the players, region and its supporters particularly when they are not checked or come from an official statement.

"The region would like to be clear that it has not had any approach from Leicester Tigers or talks with them regarding a transfer of Stephen Jones to their club next season."

Previous story Lion has big part to play
Next story Palu commits to Wallabies