Rugby World Cup 2011: No retirement plans for Wales' Stephen Jones
- Published
Fly-half Stephen Jones has no plans to retire from Welsh international duty after the World Cup in New Zealand.
The 33-year-old, 100-cap Scarlet is competing with James Hook and Rhys Priestland for the Wales number 10 jersey at the tournament.
But Jones says quitting Test rugby has yet to enter his thoughts.
"I won't make a decision at all. As long as I'm happy, I'll just keep on playing," said Jones.
The player who turns 34 in December began his Test career in Wales' record 96-13 loss to South Africa in 1998.
Thirteen years later Jones is hoping to topple the World Champions when the two sides meet in their opening World Cup encounter at Wellington on 11 September.
Long-time team-mate, 35-year-old Martyn Williams' career will end on 99 caps, external unless he is called up to join Wales' party because of injury.
And another veteran, wing Shane Williams, 34, has already admitted he is dreading, external post-World Cup retirement from the international scene.
But after scoring 899 points for Wales and appearing in six British and Irish Lions Tests, Jones remains enthusastic.
"I haven't made any decision… the way I look upon things, if I'm enjoying things - and at the moment I'm enjoying my rugby as much as ever - that's what's important to me.
"As long as I'm enjoying I'll keep on playing.
"I haven't got a timeline. I enjoy my regional rugby with the Scarlets.
"There are great coaches down there, a great young squad and I enjoy that aspect as my day-to-day environment down there.
"And it's always special being involved in the Welsh set-up and that's the way I feel."
There are are five more Welsh players 30 or older heading to New Zealand - full-back Lee Byrne, 31, and 30-year-olds Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones and Andy Powell.
- Published16 August 2011