Jones considered Wales future after contracts row

Wales captain Hannah Jones says she considered her international future after last year's contract row.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) admitted serious failings during a dragged-out negotiation process, during which players were dealt with ultimatums and threats of withdrawal from major tournaments if they failed to sign.

The WRU apologised and conducted an independent review, while head coach Ioan Cunningham left by mutual consent.

Jones said: "I did consider hanging up my boots internationally just because of the tough time we had been through that year.

"Seeing my team-mates go through that was horrendous."

But the appointment of Sean Lynn as Cunningham's successor was a major factor in Jones' decision to stay, with the pair having worked together at Gloucester-Hartpury for several seasons.

"A big thing for me was who they were going to appoint next," said Jones.

"It's kind of a fresh start, a breath of fresh air, having someone who really wants to coach the women's national side.

"It was a really disappointing time for the contracts, they've apologised for that and we're moving forward.

"We've obviously had Belinda Moore appointed [as head of women's rugby in Wales]. I'd hope none of that would happen again with someone just concentrating on the women's side of performance."

Lynn will link up with Wales after attempting to win a third successive Premiership Women's Rugby title with Gloucester-Hartpury on 16 March, with his side going up against Saracens.

He then has less than a week to prepare Wales for their Women's Six Nations opener against Scotland in Edinburgh on 22 March.

Jones hopes Lynn's club success will transfer to the international stage along with his attacking style of play.

"It's pretty exciting to have Shaun in because I know what he can create, a good environment where hopefully we can thrive and play our best rugby under him," she said.

"He's a very excited, proud Welshman."

With Wales finishing bottom of last year's championship, Jones said she will not be measuring this year's success by their table position.

"I think after the year we've had, personally I'd like to see my players and my team just smile in the jersey and enjoy playing Welsh rugby," she said.

"Just finding that love again in a Welsh jersey would be a massive win for us."