Adam Jones will play for Wales again says Tom Shanklin

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Adam Jones in action for WalesImage source, Huw Evans picture agency
Image caption,

Adam Jones won the 2013 Six Nations title with Wales, as well as three Grand Slams in 2005, 2008 and 2012

Adam Jones will play for Wales again according to former international team mate Tom Shanklin.

Jones, 33, announced his retirement from international rugby after being left out of the Welsh 2015 Six Nations and 2014 autumn Test series squads.

But former Wales centre Tom Shanklin believes Cardiff Blues tight-head Jones will add to his 95 Wales caps.

"I don't think that's the last of Adam Jones, I think we'll see him donning the shirt again," said Shanklin.

"It only takes one injury for selectors to think 'what are we going to do?' and there's a world cup coming up."

Jones won the last of his Wales caps, in June 2014.

His Test future was cast in doubt after he was replaced by Samson Lee after just 30 minutes of that final game - a 38-16 defeat by South Africa - having struggled in the scrum.

Media caption,

Adam Jones: 'I'm done and I'm happy'

Wales head coach Warren Gatland picked uncapped Rob Evans, the Wales Under-20 loose-head, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Aaron Jarvis, Lee and Scott Andrews as his props for the Six Nations.

Gatland said there had been "a long debate" about leaving out Jones and that the tight-head was on injury standby.

Shanklin, who won 70 caps for Wales between 2001 and 2010, said he was "surprised" by Jones' decision to retire in light of his form and with the possibility of a recall.

"He's done a decent job for the Blues [this season], and we've seen what Samson Lee has done for Scarlets and Wales - he's really stepped up to the plate," Shanklin told Radio Wales Sport.

"But I still think Adam has a lot to offer. He works hard and he's a skilful player.

"I thought there was going to be room for him [in the Wales Six Nations squad].

"Samson Lee will no doubt start but...it's such a big year coming up with the Six Nations and World Cup.

"If there are a couple of injuries and your country comes calling, it will be very difficult to turn down."

But Newport Gwent Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones, who coached the prop at Neath and Ospreys, disagrees with Shanklin.

"Looking at the selection...he's obviously fourth to fifth choice [for Wales] at the moment.

"He's not getting younger, he's getting older and Adam has hung his boots up [for Wales]."

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