British & Irish Lion Adam Jones admits he is fully aware of the younger generation nipping at his heels as he eyes up some personal milestones.
At 33 years of age there isn’t much Jones hasn’t done on a rugby pitch, the prop having been a part of the last two British & Irish Lions tours, featuring in all three Tests against Australia last summer.
Jones has also racked up 94 caps for Wales and during that time has featured in three World Cups.
But as he bids to make it four next year, and bring up his century of Wales caps in the process, Jones is fully aware that he faces a fight on his hands with Rhodri Jones and Samson Lee having recently been thrust into action by Wales head coach Warren Gatland.
“It's time to move on and look forward to the tour to South Africa this summer and beyond,” said Jones.
“At 33 years of age and with 94 caps, I still have some ambitions in the game.
“I am being challenged by the two young tight-head props in the Wales squad – Rhodri Jones and Samson Lee. I want to use that as motivation and kick on to 100 caps. It's also a big goal of mine to make it to four World Cups.
“It was odd against Scotland being among the Wales replacements because I haven't been on the bench for six or seven years. The whole build-up was a bit strange because you don't do the main preparations the starting line-up do.
“You have got to do what is seen as best for the team. Warren Gatland wanted to give Rhodri a chance and I think he played fantastically well.
“Of course I want to be the starting tighthead and I'm well aware of the things I need to be doing to correct it and get back in the side.
“It's a case of doing it now, working towards the summer in South Africa and onwards to the World Cup. I'm not ready to give up yet.”
