Wales skipper Jones a natural leader
Captaincy comes naturally for Ryan Jones, who has retained the leadership role for Saturday’s Six Nations Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
The Ospreys man joins Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau in the back row for this weekend's clash but despite Warburton's return, it is Jones who has retained the captaincy.
"I am pretty pleased. I am here and I want to contribute to this team whichever way the coach and team require," said Jones.
"That's my role in this group and it is something I am fiercely proud of.
"It is a role I enjoy but like Rob [Howley] said, first and foremost it's playing like an international six and playing well and then captaincy becomes easy I suppose."
With the returns of Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones to the starting XV for the clash at Murrayfield, Wales interim head coach Rob Howley is able to call on a wealth of experience.
And the Wales skipper knows he too can call on plenty of support from his teammates.
"When a call needs to be made it will be down to me but Sam and many others will be consulted at different times when required," he added.
"They will certainly have input, not just game time, but in the lead-up to this game.
"It is an opportunity for Sam to concentrate on his own game, put all the other worries and stuff to one side and just go out and be the player we know he is."
Jones has led Wales to consecutive away wins over France and Italy and will be looking to complete a hat-trick on Saturday. He leads a team with three changes from the game in Rome, Paul James the other to come into the side.
And although his record for captaining Wales may never be broken, Jones says he does not worry too much about leading the side.
"As you get older, you change as a person and things change and shape you. You learn from past experiences," he said.
"It's something you have to do your way. I just try to do what I do, really, it is not something I have sat down and consciously thought about."
