Six Nations 2015: Wales have a gem in Samson Lee - Adam Jones

Adam Jones (L) shakes hands with Samson Lee (R)

Former Wales prop Adam Jones says his successor Samson Lee is a "once-in-a-generation tight-head".

Jones, 33, retired in January after being left out of the Six Nations squad and the 2014 autumn series.

He told Scrum V that he rates Scarlets front rower Lee, 22, very highly, adding: "We've got a gem on our hands."

Lee played in all of Wales' autumn internationals including the 12-6 win over South Africa and could feature in the Six Nations opener against England.

Cardiff Blues number three Jones, made 95 appearances for Wales, winning three Grand Slams and toured with the Lions in 2009 and 2013, making five Test appearances.

His last appearance for Wales was the 38-16 defeat by South Africa in the first Test of their June 2014 tour.

His Test future was cast in doubt after he was replaced by Lee after just 30 minutes, having struggled in the scrum.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland had placed Jones on standby for the Six Nations in case of injury, saying the door was open for him to force his way back into the squad for the World Cup, but Jones decided to retire.

Lee meanwhile has won nine Wales caps and signed a national dual contract (NDC) with his region and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in January.

Jones expects him to show how good he is during the tournament.

"As much as I'm disappointed to lose my place I think we've got a once-in-a-generation tight-head in Lee," said Jones.

"Hopefully Wales will look after him and wrap him in cotton wool for the next 10 years."