After calling time on his illustrious Wales career earlier this year, there is still plenty for Adam Jones to look forward to as he enters the swansong of his playing days.
One of his country's finest ever tighthead props, the former Ospreys and Cardiff Blues icon is now preparing for a new chapter in his career when he links up with Harlequins this summer.
Now aged 34, Jones hopes to use his time at the Aviva Premiership outfit to cut his teeth in the world of coaching, while also proving that he still has plenty of his trademark qualities left to earn a long-term stay at Twickenham Stoop.
Prior to teaming up with SSE Swalec to showcase the cold harsh truth of boiler breakdown, Jones sat down with Sports Mole to discuss the past, present and future of a career that has seen him win three Grand Slams on the way to racking up 95 national caps, while also representing the British and Irish Lions in five Tests.
You recently made your Barbarians bow, featuring in games against Ireland and England - just how did that feel?
"It was obviously not great to lose in the manner we did against England, but the whole experience was brilliant. It's something that you hear a lot about and something that I haven't done before, but it certainly lived up to all expectations. It was great to play with some different players, too, the likes of George North, Brad Thorn and Joe Rokocoko - players who I have played against over the years and now lined up with."
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Having represented the Barbarians, does it now feel like a full set ticked off?
"It did a bit, yeah. I was obviously lucky enough to play for Wales and the Lions so I have certainly ticked a full set off now. It was also special because of the whole history of the Barbarians. You see how historical the jersey is; the fact that those from New Zealand travel 24 hours to be a part of it, showing just how special it is."
Switching attention to Wales, just how tough was it to call time on your international career earlier this year?
"It wasn't that tough in the end. It was obviously tough getting subbed during the summer and not playing the second Test, but the decision itself wasn't tough at all really."
Being so close to a World Cup, did you not feel you could have delayed the decision? A recent poll suggested that 80% of supporters felt you could still do a job if called upon.
"The thing is, even if I did [delay the decision] I wasn't going to be a part of the squad anyway, so again it was an easy decision for me. I wasn't a part of their plans. I'm still confident - 100% confident - that I could still do a job, definitely. But [the coaching staff] saw something different and that is why they get paid the big bucks, to make decisions like that."
Do you respect that decision made by Warren Gatland?
"Of course. I want to be a coach myself; I'm fully aware that you have to make these decisions based on what's best for the team. I 100% disagreed with [Gatland], but I totally respect the decision. His record speaks for itself really. He's a coach who has won so much with Wales, the Lions and also the Wasps."
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Being one of the iconic names of Welsh - and British - rugby, is there any particular standout moment for you?
"Any of the Grand Slams, of course, but winning the Six Nations on the final day [in 2013], and stopping England in the process, was probably the best game I've been involved with. We won quite comfortably in the end, but it always felt quite tight. So that would be up there, especially with the Lions tour taking place that summer. It's all been downhill from there really!"
You still follow Welsh rugby closely, so what's your prediction for this Autumn's World Cup?
"It will obviously be tough, but I think we'll be alright. They have to travel to Twickenham - a venue that certainly doesn't hold any fear for the boys. They will be put through the mill this summer, so they should be okay. Any time Wales play in Cardiff we fancy our chances, and of course there will be a fairly large travelling contingent going up to Twickenham. Those two games (England and Australia) do worry me a bit, but I don't see why we can't do well."
In terms of your club future, how much are you looking forward to starting a new chapter in the Aviva Premiership with Harlequins?
"It's the first chance I've had to play in that league really. I'm looking forward to playing a different style of rugby and playing in front of full houses every week. It's a totally different environment, of course, but I can't wait to get going."
Have you ever been tempted to leave Welsh club rugby earlier than you have?
"I was tempted to go to France four or five years ago, but for one reason or another nothing happened. I would have liked to have seen something different, although that said I massively enjoyed my 11 years at Ospreys and they are still the team whose results I look out for on a Saturday."
Adam Jones was spotted taking an ice bath in central Cardiff as part of a stunt with SSE SWALEC to showcase the cold hard truth of boiler breakdown.
Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea hinted at a longer-term stay for you down at Twickenham Stoop - is that an offer you would like to take up?
"I think so, yeah. Initially it's only a year-one deal, but I can go on for a while longer yet. There's three good tightheads down there already, so I know I'm not going to be involved every week. I'll cut my teeth coaching-wise there, as well, because they have quite a young squad. I would like to stay there for as long as possible really - certainly as long as they want me."
You mentioned going into coaching is a long-term ambition of yours, but as far as the short term is concerned what is the aim for you over the next few years?
"The next year is all about playing well and proving my worth to Harlequins. I'll try and get another couple of years down there; I'm not there for a season to see my career peter out. I will have to push on and hopefully then I can play on for another few years - I'm not planning on giving up just yet."
Tell me a little bit more about this ice bath challenge you have been taking part in...
"It was chilly to say the least! It's all to do with replicating the effect of your boiler breaking down, which coincides with SSE SWALEC's limited-time offer. As a seasoned rugby player, I'm no stranger to an ice bath as a recovery method after a match – but I can't say I enjoy getting into one.
"Just like top athletes, boilers need some TLC to make sure they stay in peak condition all year round to avoid the negative knock-on effects. Boilers take a real hit over the winter months, so it's important to make sure they're well cared for so you don't end up in cold water!"
For more information visit swalec.co.uk/shieldoffer
Daniel Lewis
