By David Williams
Harlequins insist Adam Jones will only be loaned to Wales on a temporary basis and will return to English club rugby after the Six Nations.
The former Wales prop – one of their all-time greats – has been drafted in by the Welsh Rugby Union to help boost their chances of averting another Six Nations whitewash.
Harlequins scrum coach Jones and sports psychologist Andy McCann have both been hired as part of Warren Gatland’s back room staff to try to help his young squad end a record 12 match losing streak.
But Quins have made it clear they are only lending Jones and will not only insist he resumes his current contract, but have demanded he carries on coaching their players remotely during the time he is in camp with Wales.
95-cap and triple Grand Slam winner Adam Jones on joining the Wales set-up for the 2025 @SixNationsRugby on secondment from @Harlequins #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/IUEvutK8Y9
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 22, 2025
Quins director of rugby, Billy Millard said: “Representing your country as a player or a coach is a great honour.
“When we were informed of Adam’s opportunity, we wanted to work collaboratively with him and the Welsh Rugby Union on a solution that catered for all.
“We have no doubt he’ll benefit greatly from the exposure of coaching at international level and take learnings from the experience, while continuing to support Danny [Wilson] and the wider coaching staff throughout the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign.”
Former Lions tight-head Jones – who has coached at The Stoop for six years – will continue to provide input to his club’s coaching team and provide remote scrum analysis throughout the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign.
The WRU have designs on Jones being part of the Wales coaching set-up on thwe road to the 2027 World Cup but in their statement, Quins stressed: “Following Wales’ final Guinness Six Nations fixture against England at the Principality Stadium (Saturday 15 March, 15:00), Jones will return to the club as the Gallagher Premiership sparks back into life with a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face Saracens in The Showdown (Saturday 22 March, 15:05).”
Former Wales international Adam Jones & psychology & human performance specialist Andy McCann to join back-room team for the 2025 @SixNationsRugby ⤵️
https://t.co/1zjIJBNYTX#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/uLYMyFQneg
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 22, 2025
Wales went through the whole of the 2024 Six Nations campaign without a win and only won once in 2023.
Last year the team went through the whole 12 months without tasting victory – and they have to kick-off their 2025 campaign against France in Paris.
The 95-times capped Jones won three Grand Slams during his time as a player and twice toured with the British & Irish Lions.
Recognised as one of the best tight head props of his era, he has since developed into a top class coach at Quins.
“Warren and Jon Humphreys (Wales forwards coach) were two big influences on my career as a player,” said Jones.
“This will be my first taste of coaching international rugby, so it will be learning process for me. It’s all moved quickly but I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s a great opportunity to make an impact, although it’s going to be a challenge coming from the Gallagher Premiership. It is going to aid my development as a coach.”
McCann previously worked with Wales as a mind coach from 2009-2017.
He returns in an advisory capacity with a remit covering mental skills and performance.
“I’m delighted that Adam and Andy will be joining us for the Guinness Six Nations and I’d like to thank Harlequins for allowing Adam to take up this opportunity,” Gatland said.
“With less than two weeks to our first game against France in Paris, we will be working hard as a group to maximise our preparation and start our campaign on a high.”