Scouted by new Wales Sevens head coach Richie Pugh while competing at Rosslyn Park Sevens just over a year ago, Jones was swiftly brought into the national U18 Sevens fold, and was soon part of Pugh’s development squad on the Rugby Europe circuit.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed at a wider level, either, being one of three Welshmen selected to represent Great Britain U18 in Lithuania over the summer. “Once I got a feel for sevens, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” says Jones. “I’ve wanted to be on the World Series ever since then.
“Playing in Rugby Europe gave me a good grounding. Travelling and competing in places like Moscow and Germany were a really good experience,” he says. “My favourite was closer to home, though, in Exeter: the crowd was unreal, and it was my first time playing alongside our World Series players like Luke Treharne. It makes it easier being on the field with guys like that; you learn much more.”
A talented sportsman at Ysgol Plasmawr in the Fairwater area of Cardiff, Jones’s side won the Cardiff Cup in years 7 and 8, and also excelled at football. When the opportunity arose to join cross-river rivals Ysgol Glantaf, who had been newly introduced to the Welsh Schools & Colleges League, Jones opted to move in order to pursue his rugby dream.
“I wanted that experience of college rugby, and two of my good friends from Plasmawr and Cardiff Schools also joined me, so it made the transition easier. I also knew most of my new teammates from playing with them at Rumney RFC. We did well as a team and gave a good account of ourselves.”
Friday morning in the desert of Dubai will be a significant step forwards for the young man from Ely. “I was quite shocked to get the call-up, what with all new boys coming in,” he admits. “These are very good players with U20s caps and regional experience, but it shows that if you do well in training and focus, you can put yourself forward for selection.
“Everyone at home is ecstatic for me. They can’t wait to watch me on telly, but my mum is flying out here on Thursday, which will be great.” ?
It’s all new to him, but Jones is taking everything in his stride. “I’m just amazed at all the buildings out here in Dubai. We trained against Scotland this morning, which went well. We’re tweaking a few things before the first game against New Zealand. I’m just going to go out and do what I have to do. I’m really looking forward to it.”
This time last year it was another 18-year-old making his World Series debut for Wales in Dubai. Tomi Lewis, who’s back again this year, scored seven tries and was one of the tournament’s standout performers over the course of the weekend. “I haven’t actually spoken to Tomi about last year, but I’m in exactly the same position as he was then: the youngest player in the squad, playing on the World Series for the first time.”
If Jones makes half as much of a splash as Lewis did, he’ll do well, and be on the way to furthering his sevens dream.
For all fixtures and news from Dubai Sevens, click here.
Wales Sevens (Dubai and Cape Town) – Core Players: Afon Bagshaw (Vice-Captain), Cai Devine, Owen Jenkins, Jay Jones, Ben Roach, Luke Treharne (Captain). Cardiff Blues: Dane Blacker, Ben Jones. Dragons: Taine Basham, Joe Goodchild, Will Talbot-Davies. Scarlets: Ryan Conbeer, Tomi Lewis. ?
