Jones has signed a one-year deal with Cardiff Blues. (©GettyImages). British and Irish Lions and Wales star Adam Jones has signed for the Cardiff Blues for the upcoming season on a one-year deal, reports BBC Sport.
33-year old Jones, who has been capped 95 times by Wales, was expected to join Ospreys if and when the dispute between the Wales Rugby Union and the four regions was resolved.
However, the prop has made a surprise move to Cardiff and will line-up alongside long-term international partner Gethin Jenkins in the front row.
Disappointment
The news was greeted with disappointment in the Ospreys camp as they felt certain they would be the club to secure the player's signature.
A statement read: "An initial contract offer that was unconditional on any participation agreement was made as far back as 2012, an offer that was declined by the player.
"A further unconditional offer was then made in October 2013 which was subsequently declined as he declared his interest in signing a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union.
"When the proposed central contract failed to materialise we re-entered negotiations and, in good faith, made a new contract offer to the player which was dependent on the terms of any new participation agreement which may be concluded."
The statement added: "As has been widely reported, that offer still remains on the table."
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Ongoing dispute
The disagreement between the WRU and the four regions is ongoing, and it could see Wales players become unavailable for selection to the national team as the clubs would be under no strict rule to release them for international duty.
Although depicted in the Blues' official squad photo for the 2014-15 season, Lions captain Sam Warburton is unable to play for the club as he is contracted to the WRU.
Period of uncertainty
During the difficult period for Welsh rugby, prop Jones has been linked with a move abroad to Toulon and he has also trained with former club Neath.
His decision to join the side from the Welsh capital is likely to cause anger with Ospreys but all parties will be hoping for a resolution to the WRU and four regions' dispute.
Cardiff Blues open their Guiness Pro12 campaign against Zebre on Sunday September 7.
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