Wales call up another Jones
Wales have called uncapped Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones into the squad preparing to face Australia at the Millennium Stadium next Saturday.
The 20-year-old, who can play at tighthead or loosehead, replaces Ospreys prop Adam Jones – who has been released after results of medical screening on a calf problem led coaches to decide they would not wish to risk him against the Wallabies.
The former WRU academy player is in his second season at Parc y Scarlets and has featured for the Wales Under-20 side at two IRB World Championships and also represented his country at both Under-18 and Under-16 level.
Born in Aberystwith, Jones is a former Llandovery college player who represented Llanelli in the Premiership before making his Scarlets debut, where he has made 28 appearances so far, including seven from the bench in European Cup matches.
“Rhodri is an impressive youngster who can play on both sides of the scrum and is definitely one for the future in terms of our long term planning towards the 2015 Rugby World Cup,” said Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde, who had direct involvement with Jones during his time on the Scarlets coaching staff last season.
“He is developing well and is a physical specimen who has all the attributes and the values that you need to succeed at this level.
“I have spoken to Matthew [Rees] this week about Rhodri as an international prospect, as well as the other staff at the Scarlets, and they rate him highly.
“Rhodri is one of those players who is very easy to coach, he will benefit hugely from his time with us and not let anyone down if called upon,” added McBryde, who plays a hands-on role with the Welsh forwards.
