Jones was overlooked for the international against Australia in December, with Rhys Priestland and Dan Biggar preferred by coach Warren Gatland. After all he has given to Wales, this is a bitter blow for the 33-year-old. However, he has insisted that he has no plans to retire and is determined to make sure he is involved for the Six Nations campaign next year.
Referring to being left out, he said: “You knuckle down, work hard on your game and you enjoy your rugby and get on with things.”“I've got no decision to make. I am going to keep on playing, it is as simple as that. I have a good relationship with the coaches and all I can do is keep my head down, work hard and enjoy it. that's all I will do.”
Wales coach Gatland then commented on leaving Jones out, saying that he is using the Australia game to give other players a chance to impress.The South African said: “Stephen hasn't retired. Stephen is not selected. We know what Stephen can give us.”
“This is a chance to give someone else an opportunity in the squad - and we all recognised how well Rhys Priestland played in the World Cup.”
“This is a special game as we've had an opportunity to celebrate Shane Williams' career as he has announced his retirement.”
“We will use this game to say thank you to Shane Williams for all he has given to Welsh rugby so that is quite different to the situation that Stephen Jones is in.”
Elsewhere in the Rugby world, former England team manager Martin Johnson has defended his team’s World Cup campaign, saying that he did all he could to make it a success, despite all the problems that surrounded it.Referring to leaked documents that criticised England’s campaign, he said: “It is not a true reflection of the squad. They are opinions, certainly not truths. They were written in an emotive time for everyone post-tournament.”
It is certainly all go in the world of international rugby right now, especially considering there haven’t been any games since the World Cup. This is about to change though with Wales up against Australia in December as preparations for the 2012 Six Nations get underway.
As for Jones, maybe he will spend the time he has away from the Wales squad perfecting his Texas Hold-Em skills?
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