Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones has signed a contract extension with the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union until June 2021.
It ends months of speculation over the lock's future, with his current deal due to run out after this year's Rugby World Cup.
A delay in the announcement of a new deal had sparked fears that he might be heading for a payday overseas.
But, in news that will delight Welsh rugby fans, he has extended his stay at the Liberty Stadium a further 18 months.
In a statement, he said: "I’m happy to announce that I have signed a contract extension to June 2021 with the Welsh Rugby Union and Ospreys so will be playing at the Liberty Stadium for the foreseeable future.
"After serious consideration and taking stock of all options, it is the right decision for my career at this point in time, along with my personal ambitions on and off the field, my welfare and needs of my family.
"I’m grateful to have the opportunity to tell you directly, in particular to the Ospreys supporters and all those who have supported me during my career to date."
National Dual Contracts between the WRU and a region are currently being phased out, with funding now going directly to the region.
However, there are a number of players still on NDCs and Jones' preferred option was to remain on the one he first signed back in 2015.
It means the 33-year-old's salary will continue to be funded 60% by the Union and 40% by the Ospreys, with his gametime carefully managed to ensure he peaks at the right times.
His workload will be carefully monitored with the WRU and Ospreys working closely.
Not only will that be the best thing for the player, region and country, but it also gives him the best possible chance of making it to one final British and Irish Lions tour, which takes place in South Africa in 2021.
“This announcement is a huge boost for Welsh rugby," said WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips.
“Alun Wyn is hugely respected across the game and I’m delighted he has committed his future here in Wales and that he will be continuing to play for his hometown region.
“It is a boost for the game both on and off the field and I’m sure the news will delight both Wales and Ospreys supporters alike as he continues to inspire the next generation.
“The extension allows the WRU and the Ospreys to continue working together with Alun Wyn to ensure he has the very best of environments to thrive in.”
The news will also come as a huge boost for the Ospreys.
Jones has featured for his home region on 238 occasions and his continued presence at the Liberty will be invaluable.
"Alun Wyn is a man I have the utmost respect for; he is greatly admired not just because of what he’s achieved and what he represents as a local boy playing for his home Region and Country but importantly because of the ambition and level of performance he consistently displays," said Ospreys boss Allan Clarke.
“He's a tremendous individual and a winner with a deep hunger for the Ospreys to be successful on and off the field. Alun Wyn has spent his entire career with the Ospreys and I expect him to continue his legacy as a player and well beyond his playing days.”
Jones will now head to Switzerland with Warren Gatland's Wales squad for an altitude camp as they ramp up preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
