Jones remains in Welsh rugby limbo

 

Tighthead prop Adam Jones, who has been linked second teir English team Bristol, remains in no-man's land with the season just weeks away.

 

A deal remains on the table from the Ospreys but cannot be progressed because of the unresolved wrangling with the Welsh Rugby Union.

 

A central contract with the WRU has been mooted but that has also come to nothing and has no chance of doing so until an agreement with the regions is reached.

 

And as well as Bristol, there have been suggestions of interest from other English clubs including Sale and Saracens.

 

Now Ryan Jones, a team mate of Adam's at regional and international level for years, has given an emotional appraisal of his good friend's situation.

 

"I am very friendly with Adam and it's tragic he has been caught up in this," the former Lions back row 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.

 

"He has made huge personal sacrifices to stay in Wales which has not been recognised.

 

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

 

Jones went on to stress his concerns about the potential damage all the bitter in-fighting has done to the image of the Welsh game around the globe.

 

He even said he is glad to be away from his home country for the time being, playing is rugby in England with Bristol.

 

He added: "It’s our national game and I am concerned about the way its perceived by others around the world.

 

"I am glad to be out of the bowl but I keep close eye on what happens.

 

"I am a Welsh rugby fan too and have a lot of friends who are still involved in the game and it’s a deep concern for me.

 

The issue in Wales continues to be at a standstill with the latest participation agreement proposed by the WRU being rejected by Regional Rugby Wales.

 

Following months of acrimonious public spats RRW say they are now preparing for life without any form of "WRU support or involvement" as the sport comes to a standstill in the country.