Adam Jones Q&A - the Answers

Personal

Do you have another Lions tour in you?
Yeah I hope so! It's only 2 years away so hopefully I'll still be about. Obviously I'd have to get picked first which is always the hardest part!

How big an influence has Lyn Jones been on your career?
He was huge, he gave me my break really, I wasn't getting too far with the rugby, I was far too fat and unfit, then luckily enough the under 21 league started and Lyn obviously saw something!

What is your main rugby playing ambition?
I'd like to make the next world cup as a long term goal but probably reach a 100 caps and make the 2013 lions tour.

Who are your heroes? Rugby or non rugby.
I was a big basketball fan as a kid and loved Michael Jordan! Rugby wise i enjoyed watching Sean Fitzpatrick, he was a fantastic competitor and the way he could control the refs was amazing!

Who do you most admire (in your position - past or present) and why?
Probably Phil Vickery, obviously won the world cup. to almost have to retire but to come back to win Europe, captain a world cup final team and make another Lions tour, that takes some doing!

Is there an opponent who does, or ever had you nervous about facing them?
Used to really struggle with Tony Woodcock! Gave me some hard afternoons but seem to be coping better recently against him!

Who is the best loosie you have ever played against?
Tony Woodcock!

What would you consider has been the highlight of your professional career, and
what has been the lowest?
Highlight would be starting the second test for the lions and winning two grand slams. Lowlight would be the second test getting injured and being taken off after 30 mins in my early days.

If Bath came knocking on your door would you be tempted to link up with Geech
again?
I think it's a good club and I'd never say never. Enjoyed working with him so who knows!!

Apart from Wales and the Ospreys, are there any other teams you support?
Abercrave!

Would you change anything in your career?
Probably liked to have spoken to Steve Hansen about why he took me off, and not go into my shell about it! Also taken my diet and fitness seriously at certain times not just plodded along.

You're not considered a puncher/fighter, how do you keep your cool but motivated?
I don't think you have to be like that to be motivated, as a prop if you can get one over your loosehead, that's a lot better than throwing a punch at him!

Has a non professional player or coach ever taught you anything that has stayed with you in your professional career?
I'm sure they have! Probably too many to remember! Had some excellent coaches as a youngster in Abercrave.

Do you agree that you are a better rugby player when you are thinner? Or is dieting something you do to keep coach happy?
Much better player!! Taken it seriously since gatts came in and it's done me the world of good!

How much stick did you give Gethin after his showboat try at RWC? Is it true you taught him everything he knows?
I couldn't believe it!! He is probably the only prop who would have acted like that! Defiantly a once in a generation player!!

Now that the Ospreys have ditched the so-called playboy/Galacticos image, where does this leave you?
Well I've ne'er thought myself as that type of player of that's what you mean!!?

Do you ever get tired of being a professional rugby player?
Bloody hell no!! Getting to spend all day playing rugby with your mates, travelling the world and getting paid for it! I've got a pretty good to I think!

What career are you likely to follow after rugby?
Hopefully coaching, dont know as a forwards coach or a specialist scrum coach but down that route somewhere!

General

Have we seen the last major upheaval of Welsh domestic rugby?
Who knows!! Wouldn't have a clue! I hope so, I think the regions has the potential to work and the academies are doing a great job!

How close are the Welsh regions to winning the European Cup?
I think it's obviously getting harder with all the money about there but in the next few years I wouldn't be surprised to see some success!

Which of your Wales colleagues is most likely to make the best coach?
Of the older boys, Shane and jonesy. Both very knowledgeable about the game and very well respected throughout the world so would be good to see them have a crack at some point.

With Welsh world class Props being in short supply. How can we fix this?
I'm all for 18/19 yr olds playing in the lower leagues where they will come up against some tough older guys who won't be shy in giving them a lesson! Then play premiership then regional but ultimately just playing week in week out will make a hell of a difference.

Is rugby becoming a young man's game?
Hope not!! Obviously the academy is working with all the young fellas coming through! But hopefully gatts will pick the older boys for a while yet!

Who's the most underestimated talent in the Ospreys?
I'd probably go for Rhys Webb! Has been superb this year!

Do you believe the notion that Props don't mature into the role until the latter part of their career and if so why is this, or does it really take years of
playing to master 'the dark art'?
It does take a while for a prop to develop but I find if they play against older, more experienced props as a 18/19 yr old it will help more!

Do you feel power and size are in danger of overpowering good old fashioned technique in the modern front rower?
Nope!! For my sake anyway!

As an experienced prop how do you think the Saints front row get away with 'boring in' and Hartley popping up in nearly every single game?
I think they have a fantastic scrum! Obviously spend a lot of time on it and have got everyone working in the same way which is a big help.

What are your opinions regarding scrummaging? Are you happy with the current state of play or do you think something needs to be done to avoid the endless re-setting of scrums?
I think the refs need to be coached on it! Some of them haven't got a clue, but think they have! They need to speak to recently retired props to find out what's going on!

Do players dislike the "crouch touch ....paaaauuuusssseeee...engage " as much as the fans/pundits?
Not really have got used to it now so second nature! Not sure what else you could do!

What are your views on rule changes to make scrummages comeptitive, fair and safe again. Is their an easy fix?
They are competitive. It would be a shame to see scrum go back to like they were In the 70s

In your opinion, what is the Worlds Best Front Row?
New zealand are up there but France with Domingo, servant and mas would be the best

Are Duncan Jones and/or Iestyn Thomas under rated?
I wouldn't say so, they both have their strengths and are good players.

Do you think sportsmen's wages have become obscene?
It's only a short career so I don't begrudge anyone getting paid good money. Obviously some sports get paid more but if someone is going to pay you that your not going to say no!!

Who's the strongest rugby player you know?
Andrew Sheridan and probably Gethyn Jenkins

Who do you see in the youth set up coming through as a potential replacement for you and would you consider coaching when you retire?
Joe rees will be good and another fella called sausage

Do you think kids playing tag gives them a good start in rugby?
I think it's good to use it as a tool for basic rugby

What do you think is the hardest position on the field?
Mine!

Lifestyle

What is your favourite sport apart from rugby?
Everyone fc and the swans

What shoe size are you?
11

Do you like Horse racing?
No never really got into it!

Apart from your own, who has the most attractive wife/partner in the ospreys?
Haha I couldn't possibly answer that!!

Where is your favourite chippy?
Gurnos

Do you eat carbs after 6pm?
Haha try not too!!

steak or fish....?
Steak!! Rare rib eye!!

Which do you prefer? Clarks, Peters or Jenkins pies?
Not a massive fan!

Have you ever done karaoke? If so, what did you sing?
Two out if three ain't bad by meatloaf!

What's your favourite song?
Whiter shade of pale

What's your favourite film?
The untouchables

What's the best nickname you know?
Bandit or stallion

Would you consider being a captain on Question of Sport in the future as you were brilliant on it
Ha if they asked!

Would he have shaved his head if Wales had won the world Cup?
Not a chance of me ever doing it!!!

What shampoo and hair products do you use?
Should brush my hair more! Head and shoulders usually!!:-p

When are you bringing the braids back? You seemed a yard faster with the corn rows in.
Haha probably looked faster!! Na don't think so they hurt like hell

Who has better hair, you or Duncan?
Me! He obviously copied me!

What can we do to make you sign for the Scarlets?
Lots and lots of these £££££££££££

Who is the best pound for pound drinker you know? (from a certain Mr Shane Williams)
No one cam touch the wee man himself!!

Smirnoffpriest wrote:What can we do to make you sign for the Scarlets?
Lots and lots of these £££££££££££


He answered one of mine - right you heard him fellow Scarlets - get your wallets out!

PoultersWig wrote:who is adam jones and why is he posting on the golf forum

Fists of Fury wrote:Great read, well done to all concerned, and thanks to Adam for agreeing to do it.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:"Mind the windows, Tino!"

I remember it well!

Dontheman wrote:Love to have a prostitute doing Q & A on that dark art