The former Wales prop Adam Jones said “I feel like I am more than just injury cover” after announcing his retirement from international rugby. Jones, 33, won 95 caps and played in five Tests for the British & Irish Lions. He is among a group of only six Wales players to have featured in three grand slam-winning teams.
The Cardiff Blues prop, though, was left out of the national coach Warren Gatland’s 34-man Six Nations training squad, following his omission from the autumn international series. Gatland opted for the current No1 Samson Lee, plus Aaron Jarvis and Scott Andrews, as his tighthead props for the Six Nations, which kicks off when Wales host England on 6 February.
In a statement Jones said: “This year I promised myself that I would work as hard as possible and do everything within my power to get back into the Wales squad. Despite putting my all into this, it has become apparent that it wasn’t enough.
“I feel like I am more than just injury cover, and have therefore decided to call it a day.
“It has been a tough week for me, but the support from the Welsh fans has been overwhelming, just as it has been ever since my first cap.”In a statement released by the Welsh Rugby Union on Sunday, Gatland thanked Jones for his contribution to Wales.
Gatland said: “I want to thank Adam for his achievement in winning 95 caps for Wales and earning five Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.
“There is no doubt that Adam has played a huge part in Wales’ success.
“He has three Grand Slams and a (Six Nations) championship to his name. That is an unbelievable record.
“He made a big impact and contribution on the international stage, and we all wish him well for his future career with the Cardiff Blues.”