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Gatland delighted to have Jones back in the fold

2010 RBS Six Nations Championship Launch 27/1/2010
Wales coach Warren Gatland insists the return to fitness of Adam Jones is just the tonic his side need to launch a RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam bid.

Wales coach Warren Gatland insists the return to fitness of Adam Jones is just the tonic his side need to launch a RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam bid.

The 56-cap prop was a revelation on the British and Irish Lions tour last summer until he was ruled out with a dislocated shoulder sustained in a clash with South Africa lock Bakkies Botha.

Jones – who missed all of Wales’ autumn internationals – will continue his recovery in the Ospreys’ LV= Cup clash with Newport Gwent Dragons tonight at Rodney Parade.

And Gatland believes the return to full fitness of the tight head prop couldn’t be better timed as Wales gear up for their Six Nations opener against England next week.

“Adam has been fantastic for Wales over the last few years and the credit for that has to go to him,” said Gatland – speaking at the RBS 6 Nations Launch at the Hurlingham Club.

“He has worked very hard at his fitness and lost about 10-15kg and that has increased his mobility which has made him a lot more effective and one of the best tight heads in the world.

“His return from injury is fantastic for us and a real boost going into what will be a very important first match at Twickenham.”