RYAN Jones has been hailed as a "true champion" by his former Ospreys boss Lyn Jones after the Wales great announced his retirement, writes Chris Kirwan.

Back-row forward Jones, 34, suffered a shoulder injury three months ago playing for Bristol and underwent surgery but has been advised to hang up his boots.

It brings to an end a glittering career for the Newport-born Jones, who took up the sport with Risca Youth and made one appearance for the Black and Ambers before going on to play for Bridgend, the Celtic Warriors and then the Ospreys.

He won 75 caps for Wales, won three Grand Slams and four Six Nations titles and played in all three Tests for the 2005 British and Irish Lions.

Jones was hugely influential for an Ospreys side that won two Celtic League titles and the Anglo-Welsh Cup under the stewardship of now Newport Gwent Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones.

"Ryan will be remembered as a great for the Ospreys as well as Wales. His record speaks for itself," said Lyn Jones.

"He was one of the better signings we made at the Ospreys and his impact was immediate after coming on in a friendly with Toulouse. He was the standout player and we realised at the time that we had signed a true champion.

"Ryan went on to gain huge respect in the game from supporters, coaches and his peers.

"He played for several Wales coaches, who all respected his abilities. That is a true mark of a great player and he was unlucky not to play more often for the British Lions having shown how good he was as a late replacement in 2005.

"Ryan's shoulder problems followed him around and it's sad that it's eventually caught up with him but he will be remembered as a man who led by example in all aspects."

Ryan Jones, who captained Wales 33 times, said retirement was a decision he made with a heavy heart but that he was immensely proud of his achievements in a sport that he took up at the age of 17.

"Looking back on my career, I can say that I have enjoyed some fantastic highs and, although there were some well-documented lows along the way, the overriding feeling is one of immense pride and satisfaction," he said.

"If someone had told me 20 years ago that I was going to achieve and experience a fraction of what I have, then I would have been over the moon."