By Paul Jones
Adam Jones has thrown his support behind Warren Gatland, confident the Wales head coach can orchestrate a turnaround ahead of their daunting Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Friday.
Jones, who earned 95 caps for Wales and played a pivotal role in three Grand Slam triumphs, has joined Gatland’s coaching team as a scrum consultant on secondment from Harlequins.
While Wales head into the campaign on the back of 12 consecutive Test defeats, Jones believes his former coach still possesses the ability to unite a team and deliver results.
“What he (Gatland) is good at, and certainly was when I was a player, was that backs-to-the-wall narrative,” said Jones.
“He brings players and teams together in a very short space of time and gets results out of them. He is exceptional at that. I am backing him to pull it round.”
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First day of camp for ️ scrum coach Adam Jones #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/W9YYAVz6cy
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 27, 2025
Jones, who has quickly settled into his new role at Wales’ training base, is relishing the opportunity to contribute.
“It’s good to be back, and I guess what I bring is a different voice,” he said.
“When this chance came up, I was dying to do it. Quins were amazing – there was no messing around, and they said, ‘Let’s get it done as soon as possible.’”
Recalling his own memories of tough days against France, Jones added, “I’ve been to Paris and done okay, and I’ve been there and had my backside handed to me – it’s a tough place to go.
“We have to go there with a plan. We want to take them on and not give them anything – no easy outs.”
Wales, however, face a formidable challenge on Friday night.
It’s been 11 years since Adam Jones was last involved with Wales on the international stage.
Adam reflected on his time with Gatland, saying, “What he did for me as a player was huge, and I worked with him for a decade.” ️#BBCScrumV pic.twitter.com/nIPHInUgzJ
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) January 27, 2025
France, buoyed by the return of their talismanic captain Antoine Dupont following his Olympic sevens gold medal triumph, will pose a significant threat.
Jones is under no illusions about the task ahead but sees reasons for optimism.
“The whole country and the whole rugby world thinks we are going to go there and get pumped,” he said.
“We are pretty confident we can go out there and do a job. It’s a key thing out there if we can silence the crowd.
“It sounds a bit like Gladiator when Oliver Reed says it to Russell Crowe. If we can silence that, it’s half the battle won.”
The former prop, who experienced both highs and lows under Gatland, reflected on the impact the coach had on his career.
“We’ve kissed and made up,” Jones said, referring to the fallout from being substituted early against South Africa in 2014 in what turned out to be his final Test.
“It got twisted a little bit when I finished, and I guess anyone who finishes their career is going to be a bit upset.
“But what he did for me as a player was huge. I wouldn’t have got to 95 caps, won Grand Slams, or gone on Lions tours if he hadn’t have come in at that time and pushed me in the right direction.
“He had a certain way of doing things with me. He got me to that level, and I will always be thankful for that.”
Jones’ enthusiasm for the role is clear, but he also acknowledged the difficult position Wales find themselves in after such a prolonged losing streak.
“It has been hard to see what has happened in the last couple of years, but the boys and the coaches are working hard to put things right,” he said.
Gatland will hope Jones’ experience and energy can help inject some grit into the Welsh pack as they prepare to face a French side full of confidence.
Wales have lost their last six Tests against France, and some bookmakers have them installed as an 80-1 Six Nations title shot this season.
