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Wales have bolstered their coaching team ahead of the Six Nations with the addition of former prop Adam Jones as a scrum consultant.
The highly-rated Jones joins Warren Gatland’s staff on secondment from Harlequins, where he has helped develop a number of front rowers since finishing his playing career at the club in 2018.
The 43-year-old won 95 Wales caps as a prop, and rejoins his former coach as Gatland looks for on-field improvements after a winless 2024.
Psychology and human performance specialist Andy McCann also returns for the tournament having previously worked within the set-up between 2009 and 2017.
“I’m delighted that Adam and Andy will be joining us for the Guinness Six Nations and I’d like to thank Harlequins for allowing Adam to take up this opportunity,” Gatland said.
“With less than two weeks to our first game against France in Paris, we will be working hard as a group to maximise our preparation and start our campaign on a high.”
Jones featured in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions during an illustrious playing career and will work closely with forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys.
An independent review was held by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) after a winless November extended Wales’ losing international streak to a record 12 games.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney stated in December after the review’s completion that Gatland would keep his job for the Six Nations, but his backroom staff would be bolstered.
“First of all, I would like to thank Harlequins for the opportunity to join the Wales coaching setup for the Six Nations,” Jones said.
“I’m looking forward to working with Gats [Warren Gatland] and Humphs [Jonathan Humphreys], who are two big influences on my career as a player.
“It’s all moved quickly but I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be a challenge coming from the Gallagher Premiership and this is my first taste of coaching international rugby, so there will be learning process for me as well.”
