WALES prop Adam Jones says he is relishing a new challenge after rejecting a contract offer from the Ospreys to sign for Cardiff Blues.

The 33-year-old tighthead, who has won 95 caps for his country, has signed a one-year deal to play at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

The Ospreys expressed their disappointment, saying that they had made offers to Jones in 2012 and 2013 but he told them that he preferred to sign a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union.

That failed to materialise, leaving him training with his old club Neath in pre-season because any deal with the Liberty Stadium side was dependant on the regions signing a fresh participation agreement with the governing body.

The situation has enabled the Blues to make their move, enabling Jones to prepare for a key season as he attempts to win his Wales spot back from Samson Lee.

He said: "This is about a new challenge for me. At this stage in my career I want a new environment and to really push myself.

"I've been really impressed by the set-up at Blues and the desire to achieve in the coming years under the leadership of Mark Hammett. It is that ambition and potential for the future that excites me about this move."

Jones joins fellow Wales tightheads Craig Mitchell and Scott Andrews at the Arms Park.