‘Bomb’ answers Warren Gatland’s SOS as legendary prop joins Wales’ coaching team for the Six Nations
Legendary Wales prop Adam Jones will link up with Warren Gatland's coaching team for the Six Nations.
Legendary Wales prop Adam Jones will link up with Warren Gatland’s squad ahead of the 2025 Six Nations as he is tasked with turning their scrum into a real weapon.
The set-piece was a real area of concern for Wales in 2024 as Gatland’s side went the entire calendar year without registering a Test victory.
Jones is joined by psychology and human performance specialist Andy McCann for the Six Nations in a bid to improve on their Wooden Spoon finish in 2024.
Adam Jones links up with Wales
95-cap and triple Grand Slam winner Jones has impressed during the early stages of his coaching career with Harlequins, helping the side win the Gallagher Premiership, and will work now closely with forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys during the campaign, with a specific responsibility for the scrum.
McCann, who previously worked with the Wales senior men’s team from 2009 to 2017, returns in an advisory capacity with a remit covering mental skills and performance. In his role he will support players from a mindset and mentality perspective.
“I’m delighted that Adam and Andy will be joining us for the Guinness Six Nations and I’d like to thank Harlequins for allowing Adam to take up this opportunity,” Gatland said of the appointments.
“With less than two weeks to our first game against France in Paris, we will be working hard as a group to maximise our preparation and start our campaign on a high.”
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The former tighthead prop affectionately known as ‘Bomb’ added: “First of all, I would like to thank Harlequins for the opportunity to join the Wales coaching setup for the Six Nations.
“It’s going to be a challenge coming from the Gallagher Premiership and this is my first taste of coaching international rugby, so there will be learning process for me as well but it’s great opportunity to make an impact and aid my development as a coach.”
McCann commented: “I’m particularly excited with the opportunity to work in support of this group of players through the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.”
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Returning to Harlequins
Harlequins confirmed that Jones will link up with Gatland’s coaching staff after the club’s Premiership fixture against Northampton Saints at The Stoop on Friday, January 24.
In his absence, former Quins hooker and and current London Scottish head coach, Joe Gray, will assist the club for Premiership Cup fixtures against Ealing Trailfinders and Saracens.
Jones will return to Harlequins following the conclusion of the Six Nations.
“Representing your country as a player or a coach is a great honour. When we were informed of Adam’s opportunity, we wanted to work collaboratively with him and the Welsh Rugby Union on a solution that catered for all,” Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard said.
“We have no doubt he’ll benefit greatly from the exposure of coaching at international level and take learnings from the experience, while continuing to support Danny [Wilson] and the wider coaching staff throughout the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign.”
