He will become the first Ospreys player to break the landmark figure in the 10 and a half-year history of regional rugby when he takes the field in Friday night’s Domino’s Derby against the Scarlets at the Liberty Stadium.
Roger Blyth, Chairman of the Ospreys, has hailed Duncan as ‘a true legend of rugby in this region’, while Head Coach, Steve Tandy, described him as ‘the ultimate team man’.
An Ospreys ‘original’, Jones made his debut midway through the inaugural 2003/04 season when he featured in a Heineken Cup defeat to Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon, since when he has proven to be a mainstay of the region on and off the field for a decade.
The prop clocked up a century in a 24-23 win over Harlequins at the Liberty Stadium in October 2008, with his 150th Ospreys appearance coming in a 17-6 victory away to Connacht in November 2011.
Speaking ahead of his 200th Ospreys appearance this weekend, Jones commented: “It’s a milestone that you never expect to reach and it creeps up on you. It’s an honour to be the first person to play 200 games for the Ospreys but hopefully there will be plenty more people who will go on to make even more appearances in the years to come, including a lot of the boys who are currently in the squad.
“It’s unfortunate for Andrew Bishop, who has looked for so long to be the one that got to 200 first before he picked up his back injury. If you look at total minutes on the pitch he’s probably played more for the Ospreys than anybody else, I’d say he’s certainly played more 80 minutes than anyone. Hopefully he’ll be back in action soon and be the next to make 200.
“While I’m pleased to make my 200th appearance this Friday night, I’m more concerned about the team doing well. We’ve got an important local derby in front of a big crowd and we have to get the performance right. That will always be my priority, ahead of any personal milestone. When you finish playing, that will be the time to look back on all the milestones I’ve achieved during my career and the 200 will certainly be up there.”
Blyth led the tributes to Duncan, saying: “He is a true legend of rugby in this region, someone loved by everybody. To achieve 200 appearances for the Ospreys, and to become the first ever to do so, is an incredible achievement that Duncan and his family should be justifiably proud of.”
Jones will be presented with a special commemorative Ospreys jersey by Blyth pitchside ahead of the game, as the players leave their field following their pre-match warm-up.
Tandy, himself an ‘original’ and a centurion, echoed Blyth’s comments, saying: “He’s a special player and it is a fantastic achievement that we are marking, but first and foremost Duncan is a special human being. His durability is his trademark, he’s suffered some horrendous injuries but always bounced back and to see him still putting in the kind of performances he is for the region says all you need to know about Duncan.
“Duncan’s honesty is possibly his biggest strength. He isn’t afraid to speak his mind and says the home truths when needed, and there is enormous respect for him in the group and among supporters.
“He’s a real family man who loves his home region, a fantastic role model, and is desperate to do well for the team.”
