It always seemed a fanciful story, but when The Rugby Paper splashed on Bristol Bears being linked with Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones fans of the Gallagher Premiership club sat up.
Leicester Tigers and Bath were other clubs also linked with the British and Irish Lions lock who was due to be out of contract at his only professional club, the Ospreys, after this autumn's Rugby World Cup.
However today the Guinness Pro14 club has confirmed their captain, while considering a move away, has agreed a new deal.
Jones, 33, said: “I’m happy to announce that I have signed a contract extension to June 2021 with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys and 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.
The WRU group chief executive Martyn Phillips, said: “This announcement is a huge boost for Welsh rugby.
“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.”
Links with Bristol seemed unlikely even when they hit the press in June as the Bears are well stocked at second row having signed Dave Attwood from Bath this season to partner Samoan captain Chris Vui.
Bristol also have Joe Batley, Ed Holmes, Sam Jeffries, Joe Joyce and Aly Muldowney competing for second row spots in 2019/20.
While the Bears are understood to still have room inside the salary cap to add to their playing squad director of rugby Pat Lam is likely to concentrate on other areas first.
