Future unclear for Adam Jones

Editor

Still without a contract for next season, Wales prop Adam Jones is facing an uncertain future as the conflict within Welsh Rugby drags on.

Still without a contract for next season, veteran Wales prop Adam Jones is facing an uncertain future as the conflict within Welsh Rugby drags on.

It's hard to believe with the new season just weeks away, the 100-Test cap tighthead is unemployed.

Jones has been linked with a number of clubs over the past few weeks including Bristol, Sale, Saracens and Toulon but confirmation of a signed contract has yet to emerge.

Reports suggest that the 33-year-old British and Irish Lion was ready to extend his contract with the Ospreys – who have tabled a deal – or take up a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union similar to Wales captain Sam Warburton but the deadlock in discussions regarding the new Participation Agreement between the regions and the WRU have been a roadblock to his domestic options.

It's a situation that former Wales skipper Ryan Jones has labelled “tragic”, adding that the prop's “huge personal sacrifices to stay in Wales in the past have not been recognised.”

“I am very friendly with Adam and it's tragic he has been caught up in this,” Ryan Jones told Wales Online.

“That's the human side of all of this. Hundreds of people are directly affected by what goes on behind closed doors.

“It's guys like Adam and his family I worry about because he has been nothing but a wonderful servant to Welsh rugby. He is a national hero and an icon, yet he is currently without a contract or a club.

“He's an incredibly proud Welshman and does not get the credit he deserves.

“I hope for his sake it's sorted and he can get on with playing rugby.”