Adam Jones: Prop cried after being dropped by Warren Gatland

Adam Jones says he and Warren Gatland have not spoken since the player was last in the Wales squad

Wales legend Adam Jones cried after being dropped by coach Warren Gatland before the 2014 autumn Tests.

Jones, 34, subsequently retired from Test rugby in January and will not add to his 95 caps at the 2015 World Cup.

"I didn't know what to say... I just ended up going to the car and having a cry to myself because 11 years, it's been a big part of my life," he said.

The Harlequins prop has since publicly spoken critically of the lack of contact from Gatland.

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde delivered the news of his omission but Jones admits he owes a great deal to Gatland and has a "bit of a man crush" on the New Zealander.

"He's done a lot for me," Jones told BBC Radio Wales. "I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for him.

"After the 2007 World Cup, we had a shocking World Cup [going out in the group stage], and he came in gave me a massive kick up the backside - and it's a big backside, but a bit smaller now. He's been massive for me."

Two Grand Slams and another Six Nations followed under Gatland for Jones, who also played in the Tests as the New Zealander guided the 2013 British and Irish Lions to victory over Australia.

He also played in Wales' 2005 Grand Slam under Mike Ruddock.

But after being substituted on 30 minutes against South Africa in the summer of 2014, Jones was told he would not be involved in the autumn Tests.

After his retirement pundits such as former Wales captain Jonathan Davies called on Gatland to recall the former Ospreys and Cardiff Blues prop.

Gatland said he "would not go on bended knee" to ask Jones to reverse his retirement. The prop, whose career began at Neath, said Gatland was too "stubborn" to call him with a view to playing at the World Cup.

Wales are short on experience in Jones' tight-head position for the tournament and first-choice Samson Lee, 22, who has won 12 caps, has not played since rupturing his Achilles tendon in March.

Ospreys prop Aaron Jarvis, 29, has also made 12 Wales appearances, while Exeter's Tomas Francis, 23, made his debut in their 16-10 warm-up win over Ireland last weekend.

Ospreys' loose-head Paul James can also cover the scrum-anchoring role among five props in their 31-man squad.