Prop star Jones may make the return home

WELSH front-row hero Adam Jones could be set for a surprise return to Welsh rugby.

New Ospreys coach Toby Booth has targeted the former Wales and Lions prop to significantly bolster his backroom team at the Liberty Stadium, according to reports.

But The Rugby Paper adds that his plans to bring the multi-decorated star home from Harlequins are being thwarted by the Gallagher Premiership big guns.

Booth began his new role with the Ospreys last week and has brought Brock James on board as backs coach, while Welsh international James Hook is taking on a job working with skills and kicking.

Booth worked with Jones at Quins this season and is said to want to see the popular tighthead taking on a similar role at the Ospreys, working on their scrum.

But Quins are reportedly playing hardball over the compensation fee for Jones to be released from his contract at the Twickenham Stoop, although discussions are said to be ongoing for the 39-year-old to return to his regional roots at the Ospreys.

Jones made 195 appearances for the Ospreys spanning 11 years and taking in four Celtic League titles and the 2008 Anglo-Welsh Cup.

Booth is desperate to bolster his backroom team up front with reports forwards coach Carl Hogg is set to move on despite having one year left on his contract.

Hogg took charge of the Ospreys earlier this season following the exit of Allen Clarke as head coach.

Jones has been building a good reputation as a young coach and is seen as one of the key reasons behind the success of Kyle Sinckler, who has burst onto the scene with England and the Lions.

Meanwhile, Sale Sharks have made contact with Manu Tuilagi over a deal to sign the England centre.

The Sharks sit second in the Premiership and recruiting Tuilagi – who left Leicester Tigers last week – would provide a considerable boost to their title challenge.

Leicester confirmed British and Irish Lions star Tuilagi as one of five frontline stars leaving the club on Tuesday, following a clutch of contract stand-offs.

Chief executive Andrea Pinchen claimed Tuilagi, Telusa Veainu, Greg Bateman, Noel Reid and Kyle Eastmond had refused to accept 25 per cent pay cuts for one year.