Ireland Catchup With Jones

Showing good form for Munster and following a promising November Series in the green of Ireland, full-back Felix Jones will hope to make his long awaited 6 Nations debut in the coming weeks.

A bruised knee kept Jones out of Munster's 65-10 defeat of Sale Sharks in the European Champions Cup last weekend, but this week he resumed full training with the extended Ireland squad at Carton House.

Jones comes into 2015 on the back of impressive form for Munster that’s seen him captain the side four times. On the international front he featured in all three November GUINNESS Series victories during which he chalked up his first two Ireland tries against Georgia.

With nine international caps to his name, a tally that would be higher were it not for a number of injuries in recent seasons, a fully fit Jones looks ahead to what will be the busiest of years in international rugby with the impending RBS 6 Nations and, come the autumn, the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

“Obviously, I want to accumulate as many caps as possible. The reality of things is that if you take an injury and you're out for eight months, then five months here and six months there, it really stutters your career.

“I'm not trying to make excuses – this is just what's happened in my career. You put those things behind you and try to get back to that level as soon as possible. It's something that I don't think a huge amount about. That's just the reality of it."

Jones has had an encouraging run of Ireland appearances under Head Coach Joe Schmidt, starting the first Test win over Argentina last June and featuring in the aforementioned games against South Africa, Georgia and Australia before Christmas.

“Whatever amount of game-time you get, you've got to make it count and to come on in two very tight games (South Africa and Australia) when it's still in the balance, up to the last minute, to be able to slot in and do your job is how you can take confidence from it.

“Obviously, I was disappointed not to start every game, as every player wants to start. No one's going to come in here and say they are happy to sit on the bench.

“Having said that, you'll never say you are disappointed being involved or playing with Ireland. As I've said, to get the chance and be able to slot in and do your job is the main thing.”

Jones runs in his first try for Ireland against Georgia at the Aviva Stadium last November.

The 27-year-old is now targeting a long-awaited RBS 6 Nations debut in the coming weeks, having won his nine previous caps in either World Cup warm-up games, Summer Tests or November internationals.

However, first up is Ireland Wolfhounds' showdown with England Saxons at Irish Independent Park, Cork on Friday night and Jones has fond memories of starting last year's 14-8 victory for the Wolfhounds at Kingsholm.

“The Wolfhounds presents an opportunity for guys coming back from injury, your first time into the squad at this level or guys trying to get into the senior team. There's a number of guys that could be playing for the Wolfhounds this weekend, guys with many international caps and guys who played in November, so it's a strong squad."

With the teams to be announced tomorrow, Ireland Wolfhounds play England Saxons under Friday-Night-Lights at Irish Independent Park, Cork this Friday – KO 7:45pm.
Tickets from just €;15 for Adults and €;30 for Families can be purchased online by clicking here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park or by calling 0818 719 300.