CRICKET:Ireland all-rounder Nigel Jones has decided to retire from the international arena after his role as Northern Cricket Union regional development officer was made a full-time position by Cricket Ireland.

The 30-year-old New Zealand-born player was capped 34 times for his adopted country and was a member of the squad for the 2011 World Cup and both the 2010 and 2012 World Twenty20 tournaments.

Jones said it was a tough decision to make but that the opportunity of a full-time position means he will not have the time to commit to the international game.

North West regional development officer Brian Allen will also take up a full-time position.