Adam Jones achieved one of his rugby dreams by representing the British & Irish Lions and admits he will accomplish another when he runs out for the Barbarians later this month.
Jones played five Tests for the Lions across the 2009 and 2013 tours of South Africa and Australia respectively.
The prop also made 95 appearances for Wales before retiring from international rugby this season.
He has now been called up by former Australia coach Robbie Deans, who was in charge of the Wallabies during the 2013 Lions tour, to the Barbarians squad that will face Ireland at Thomond Park and an England XV at Twickenham at the end of May.
And Jones, who is joined in the squad by fellow Lions Alex Cuthbert, acknowledges it is an opportunity he has been waiting for since childhood.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the Barbarians and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve heard great things from those who’ve been involved in the past,” said the 34-year-old.
“I grew up in a rugby mad family and watched tapes of Gareth Edwards playing for the Barbarians and scoring his famous try.
“Wales, the Lions and the Barbarians were the big three you aspired to play for and it’s good to finally complete that set.
“I’m coming into a new phase of my career having retired from international rugby and that has given me the opportunity to do new things like playing for the Barbarians.
“I’ve had one or two wins in my career at Thomond Park but that’s about it. It’s a tough place to play and a great stadium.
“It’ll be interesting playing in a Robbie Deans side rather than against one but it’s something I’m really looking forward to."
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