Legendary Welsh prop Adam Jones announces retirement

Legendary Welsh prop Adam Jones will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season it has been revealed by both the player and by Harlequins.

The British and Irish Lion, and four time Six Nations winner with Wales, has been appointed as Assistant Forwards Coach at The Stoop and will work alongside Forwards Coach Graham Rowntree.

Jones, who made 30 appearances for Harlequins, said “I’ll be officially retiring from playing at the end of the season. I’ve had a great career and never thought I’d go on to achieve what I have. I’m so passionately proud to have played so many times for Wales and was fortunate to be a part of three Grand Slam-winning teams.

“But it’s time to move onto the next chapter of my career and concentrate on coaching. Coaching is a route I have always wanted to go down, so this is an opportunity for me to work with and learn from two of the best in John Kingston and Graham Rowntree.

“We potentially have the best group of props in the Premiership at Harlequins, with England props Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler and Will Collier, plus the up-and-coming Lewis Boyce. So I hope to be able to help them push on with Harlequins and at International level.”

With three Grand Slam titles to his name, the Abercrave-born tight head competed in three Rugby World Cups, winning 95 caps for his country between 2003 and 2014, and toured with the British and Irish Lions on two occasions; first in 2009 and then on the victorious 2013 tour to Australia.

“Adam’s formal retirement from playing clearly marks the end of a wonderful onfield career in rugby at the very highest level,” commented Director of Rugby John Kingston.

“He has effectively been coaching over the last three seasons – at first in part whilst playing and more recently almost exclusively.

Thank you…. pic.twitter.com/QwOpRh25Cp

— Adam Jones (@adamjones3) March 25, 2018

“His knowledge of the scrum dynamics is second to none with his experience and he has been a massive influence on our front row players, young and experienced alike. His relationship with Graham Rowntree is a very strong one and I am absolutely delighted that he has chosen to accept the position of Assistant Forwards Coach at Harlequins.

“His influence within the club extends far beyond just on field as his outstanding interpersonal skills mean he offers so much to the wider environment within the organisation.”