The Scarlets will be looking to retain their unbeaten record against Welsh regions this season and a big send-off for one of their most popular and committed Scarlets of recent decades.
Jones, the Scarlets all-time points record holder on 2850 points and 315 appearances in a Scarlets shirt still holds the record of most points scored in a league game (32) against Swansea in October 2002 – with 741 points in league games during his career.
The Scarlets also bid farewell to Scottish international Sean Lamont, England No 8 Ben Morgan, second rows Dominic Day and Lou Reed, full back Dan Evans as well as retiring front rowers, Iestyn Thomas and Rhys Thomas.
A play-off place could also be still available to a winning Scarlets side if Connacht beat Glasgow at Firhill on Saturday night.
Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies said: “This will be a hugely competitive fixture, it’s a local derby, and there’s lot of pride of stake for the players. We still have an outside chance of going through, but importantly, it’s the fact playing the Blues and we are very proud of our unbeaten record against Welsh regions this season so we want to maintain that.
“It will be an opportunity to see some great battles and duals on the pitch with the quality of a host of young players on show. It’s going to be a great finale for the season.
“This fixture highlights what’s good in regional rugby and in our game in Wales not only from those who have given so much to the regional game like Stephen Jones, but also the younger players who have cut their teeth on regional rugby.
“It’s a game that will celebrate what regional rugby in Wales is all about with rising Welsh players that don’t forget where they have come from and the club system that has supported them. I will show that the game overall is very healthy and while there are challenges for the regions we will work to resolve them because there’s a lot of positives in our game, and the quality of rugby and the performance on the field on Saturday will demonstrate that.”
On Stephen Jones’ last game, Davies added: “Stephen’s contribution has been immense, he’s instantly recognisable as one of the great Scarlets for what he has done and what he has achieved and for me he epitomises the modern 10 in every way.”
Jones said: “First and foremost this is a big challenge and will be a tough encounter, and the boys know that and we have to put in a big performance against a quality side. We’re just all really looking forward to it.
“I feel very privileged to have been part of this great club for so many years and particularly the new era – with a team that now has so many exciting new players coming through and achieving international honours. I hope I’ve been able to pass on some of my experience for the benefit of our future as a region and helped accelerate the transition of this squad in recent years.
“It’s been a huge part of my life being a Scarlet – starting when I was 18 and now leaving when I’m 34 and apart from a couple of years in France its where I’ve grown up as a rugby player. I’ve been delighted to be part of Scarlets Rugby throughout and it has been an honour to pull on the shirt every single time.
The Scarlets have suffered just one defeat at Parc y Scarlets in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season; 10-15 to Leinster in round four. The Scarlets have not lost to a fellow Welsh region in the PRO12 since they visited Ospreys on 27 December 2010.
Scarlets team against Cardiff Blues Saturday 5th May 2012
15 Liam Williams, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Nick Reynolds, 12 Stephen Jones, 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Rhodri Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Aaron Shingler, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Kieran Murphy, 7 Josh Turnbull (capt), 8 Ben Morgan.
Replacements: 16 Emyr Phillips, 17 Phil John, 18 Simon Gardiner, 19 Damian Welch, 20 Johnathan Edwards, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Adam Warren, 23 Viliame Iongi.
