Wales have received a boost ahead of their final Six Nations match following confirmation that captain Alun Wyn Jones has re-signed a national dual contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and Ospreys.
Jones, 32, is set to win his 117th international cap when Warren Gatland's side welcome France to the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
National dual contracts are 60 percent funded by the WRU, with the player's region paying the remaining fee. It is Jones' third such deal after agreeing his first NDC back in March 2015.
Although the length of the British & Irish Lion's new deal is yet to be specified, it is the latest personnel boost for the governing body and the Welsh regions with Northampton winger George North due to return to Wales on an NDC at the end of the current domestic season.
"I'm thankful for the collaboration between the WRU and Ospreys, which will look after my best interests and enables me to play the best rugby possible," Jones said in a statement released by the WRU on Friday.
"To be continuing my journey with the Ospreys is probably something I wouldn't have predicted at the start of my career.
"But having the opportunity to sign a new NDC at this point helps with the quality and quantity of the rugby that I play, and hopefully will prolong my playing opportunities."
WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips added: "Alun Wyn committing his future to the game here in Wales is another huge boost for Welsh rugby.
"He is renowned and respected as a player and leader, and his commitment to the Ospreys and to Wales is hugely significant. It is fantastic that another world-class player will remain in Wales.
"This announcement will also help drive our long-term focus on retaining young Welsh talent, as young players will learn and benefit from Alun Wyn's experience within our environment, and that will help shape the next generation of Wales players."
The Press Association contributed to this report