WYN JONES has opened up on the injury hell that left him fearing for his rugby career.
Just three years ago, the Welshman was starting at loose-head prop for the Lions during their tour of South Africa.
Fast forward to 2024 and Jones is now a reserve with Harlequins, his international career firmly on hold.
The 32-year-old was let go by Scarlets over the summer after more than a decade with the club.
Jones’ injury hell began during the Lions tour of 2021, where he ended up in hospital just days before the first Test.
Coach Warren Gatland was desperate to get the 19-stone Welshman onto the field – whatever the cost.
Jones told The Times: “I was named to start the first Test.
“I trained on the Tuesday and then I woke up Wednesday morning and [my shoulder] was very stiff.
“I then had an infection in the AC joint, so by the Thursday I was on a drip in hospital.
“I was on the drip for ten days and somehow I managed to play the last game.”
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Jones lasted just 43 minutes of the contest against the Springboks, limping off with a trapped nerve in his back.
He admits “adrenaline got me through”, but was left “lying on the floor in the changing room and unable to move.”
The Carmarthen native fought through the pain to feature for both club and country following the tour.
Jones added: “I couldn’t even do a press-up, because my AC joint was so sore.
“I probably should have just put my hands up and gone, ‘Sorry I’m not ready to, my body won’t let me.'”
Injuries have since seen Jones’ career fall away, having been left out of the Welsh World Cup squad in 2023.
He was released by Scarlets in the summer and now has a “fresh challenge” at Harlequins, where is on a loan contract.
Jones continued: “It was frustrating to leave the Scarlets
“Once Harlequins were on the cards it was a no-brainer.
“The big thing for me was I had to go somewhere that I knew I’d enjoy playing. I’ve definitely got the hunger back and I really want to play rugby.”
Away from the field, Jones owns a 400-acre sheep and beef farm near Llandovery.
He works the land to take his mind off rugby and the aches and pains that have built up over the past few years.
But Jones is determined to find his way back into the Welsh setup after falling out of favour.
He said: “If Wales ever did give me a ring I’d definitely say yes, but that’s up to them.
“The moment I wouldn’t want to play for Wales, I’d probably hang my boots up anyway. That was one reason for wanting to move to Harlequins.”
