Ospreys prop Adam Jones gave Welsh rugby an early Christmas present by making a successful return to action in his side’s 17-6 Heineken Cup Pool 2 win over previously unbeaten Toulouse.
The 31-year-old tight head specialist had been on the sidelines since round two when he injured his knee in the defeat at Leicester. But, after eight weeks rehabilitation, he stepped back onto the field four minutes into the second half at the Liberty Stadium.
The Ospreys’ victory threw them a life-line in the battle for quarter-final places, especially as they will have a chance to gain revenge over the Tigers at home in round 5. Leicester are top of the Pool by a point from Toulouse, but have to play the Ospreys in round 5.
“It was a great performance by the team, full of heart. When we played Toulouse in our first season they got the bonus point in both matches in the first half,” said Jones.
“We really dug in today and I thought we could have won by more. There is still plenty to play for in this Pool and we’ll all be looking forward to the game against Leicester back at our place.
“It has been a frustrating eight weeks, but there is so much to look forward to for the rest of the season. There is a title to defend with Wales in the Six Nations, a league crown with the Ospreys and then there is the British Lions tour in the summer,” said Jones.
“That is always in the back of your mind and it is certainly something I want to be involved in having played with the Lions in 2009. The knee is fine now, and the scrimmaging went alright, so it’s just a question of getting match fit.”
Jones lasted 30 minutes before picking up a yellow card for pulling down a driving maul.
