Ospreys and Wales say that injured lock Alun Wyn Smith could be back before the Six Nations finishes.
Jones, 36-year-old regular Wales skipper, was likely to miss the tournament due to a shoulder injury he sustained against New Zealand in Oct 2021.
Wayne Pivac says Jones could be back before the Six Nations final against Italy on March 19, although it is “a long shot at this stage.”
“Never say never. It’s Alun Wyn Jones,” stated the Wales coach.
Jones, the Test rugby union’s most-capped player, had to have two shoulder operations after being forced off against New Zealand.
He also suffered shoulder problems before the British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa last summer, but he defied expectations and was able to take charge of all three Tests.
Pivac stated, “I would probably not enter the conversation if there was anyone else,”
“I can honestly tell you that it is true, and that I would never change my mind.
“But, but, look, it’ll take a long time. Let’s just be clear about this. Al works hard behind the scenes to make sure he’s in peak condition for Wales or the Ospreys.
Toby Booth, Ospreys’ head coach, backed Pivac’s assessment.
Booth said, “Al is always in great form.”
“Potentially he could return for the end of Six Nations,”
New Zealand captain Dan Biggar believes it is wrong to exclude Jones due to his remarkable comebacks following injury.
Biggar stated, “I don’t think anyone expected him to show up in South Africa in summer and he managed get on the plane.”
Al is likely the man who can be fit to participate in some of the tournament’s parts. It’s possible, but I wouldn’t rule it out yet.”
Biggar also disclosed that he sought advice from Jones on captaincy.
“I had an informal chat with Al last Wednesday,” he said.
Wayne asked me to take the job. I told Wayne that I didn’t want to change my personality around the team room or on the training pitch. Al echoed that sentiment and said, “Just be your own man.”
“I have worked with Al for many years, so I feel that it will be a benefit to me to pick up, even if it is just a few small things, in the manner he conducts himself around this place.
