Wales and British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones has announced his retirement from international rugby union, in an interview published with Britain’s Sunday Times.
The 33-year-old prop made 100 Test appearances in total, 95 for Wales and five for the Lions, and played in three Grand Slam-winning teams.
However, the Cardiff Blues front row was left out of the Wales squad for this season’s Six Nations unveiled by coach Warren Gatland earlier this week, having also been omitted by the New Zealander for the November Tests.
“It’s obviously not the way I would want to finish, it’s not how I planned it in my head, and I hope no-one thinks I am simply quitting,” Jones, who made his Wales debut in 2003, told the Sunday Times.
Jones’s last appearance for Wales was the 38-16 defeat by South Africa in the first Test of their tour in June.
His international future was called into question after he was replaced by Samson Lee just 30 minutes into that match after struggling in the scrum and his announcement means Jones has given up hope of earning a Wales recall in time for this year’s World Cup in England.
Jones is set to continue his club career with the Blues, whom he joined on a one-year deal in August after his contract with fellow Welsh regional side the Ospreys expired.
Despite his disappointment at being left out of recent Wales squads, Jones said he respected Gatland’s decision.
“Warren is the man who came in and saved me, he gave me a kick up the [backside] so he’s been a massive influence on me, and I’m very grateful,” Jones said.
“I don’t agree with him not picking me. But he’s got to pick who he thinks is best.”