British and Irish Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones insists Ospreys will regroup and go again after they saw their exploits in Europe ended for another season with defeat to Northampton Saints.
The Welsh side’s slim hopes of progressing were extinguished as Saints ran out 20-9 winners – Jones’ Lions teammate George North on the scoresheet with a first-half try.
It was a first defeat of the season for Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium with Jones’ team posting just three penalties.
But the 29-year-old, who skippered the Lions in their series-deciding 41-16 victory over Australia last summer, insists Ospreys went out fighting.
“We will continue to work hard and keep pushing for a quarter-final spot in the future,” he told WalesOnline.
“We have to look at next year now. There’s a bit of stick and carrot after this year. At least we know where we need to improve.
"We tried to play rugby. We weren't going to be left wondering and I don't think we were.
"They had two opportunities and took them. Our naivety played into their hands, particularly in the second half when we gave away penalties. There was pressure to soak up.
"When you do play a lot of rugby you are prone to making mistakes.”
