Stephen Jones couldn’t care less that the focus in New Zealand is very much on England superstar Jonny Wilkinson. In fact for the Wales fly-half, who arrived here in Auckland on Tuesday after playing his part in helping Clermont Auvergne qualify for next season’s Heineken Cup, Jones admitted to being rather ‘cool’ about the whole situation.
“Jonny Wilkinson is a world-class player who is respected back at home and in every other country in the world. He is always going to command some press coverage because he works hard and is a great professional. Personally, I have to worry about myself and make sure that I am still playing well and working hard.
“It is great to be here and I can’t wait to get into the rugby. I don’t fell as if I am out of things too much because I was in Cardiff for the team-building weekend and for a couple of days last week too. It’s just good to be here on a full time basis now. I am very proud with what I have achieved this season and proud to have been part of the Grand Slam team. To get this opportunity is wonderful and I intend taking my chance with both hands.”
With regards to missing the first few days of the tour because of those club commitments, he said, “I always knew that I would miss a little section of the tour, but it feels good to be here and I can’t wait to get going.
“It was a long journey and a bit tiring, but there are no excuses, all the boys did it last week and they were straight into training. I will have a couple of sessions to get the body moving again and then I will be out there with the boys.”
