Mark Jones joins Wales coaching staff

Scarlets attack coach Mark Jones has been added to Rob Howley's interim Wales coaching team for the upcoming Six Nations.

Scarlets attack coach Mark Jones has been added to Rob Howley's interim Wales coaching team for the upcoming Six Nations.

The former Wales wing will join Howley, Robin McBryde, Shaun Edwards and Neil Jenkins as part the defending champions' backroom staff during head coach Warren Gatland's temporary absence as he prepares for the British and Irish Lions' June tour to Australia.

Jones had already agreed to be part of the Wales coaching team during their two-Test tour to Japan in June but the Welsh Rugby Union came to an agreement with the Scarlets to allow him to come on board earlier than initially planned.

The 33-year-old will have specific responsibility for the Wales backs.

“Mark is an important addition to the coaching team,” said Howley said.

“He has played the game at the highest level and developed his coaching skills during his time with the Scarlets. He is a 'hands-on coach' and understands how our environment works, which is important leading into the tournament.

“I would like to thank Simon Easterby (Scarlets head coach) for allowing Mark to join us and to start work immediately. We have always been an integrated coaching team, and Mark will be a great addition alongside Robin, Shaun and Neil.”

Jones won 47 caps for Wales and featured in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

“I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity for me to develop further as a coach,” said Jones.

“It will help me to explore new ideas and gain wider experience that I hope will, in turn, benefit my full-time role with the Scarlets region.”