Jones still making a Marc in England
HEARD the one about the Welshman about to start his 12th season in the English Premiership... but who has never had a look-in with his country?
No early April Fool’s joke this one, though.
Marc Jones, from Pontypridd, may remain largely unknown in rugby circles here.
But across the Severn Bridge, the hooker is about to ponder seasons 12 and 13 in the Aviva Premiership, despite current employers Bristol being on the brink of relegation from England’s top flight.
Jones’ departure from Ashton Gate this summer might not have been trumpeted as much as the high profile exit of Gavin Henson to the Newport Gwent Dragons next season.
But for durability and staying power among the stars of the world game in the Premiership, you’d struggle to find a Welshman to beat Jones, who turns 30 on April 3.
For having made 178 appearances in England, most of them in the Premiership, the ex-Treorchy Youth frontrower, whose parents run a chain of fast food restaurants aptly named A Fish Called Rhondda, will be back swimming with Sale Sharks next season after signing a new two year deal with the Salford-based club.
Jones spent a decade with Sale before moving to Bristol for the start of the 2015-16 season, the only campaign he played in outside of the Premiership.
After earning Championship promotion and playing 18 times for the west country outfit, Jones has been limited to just 10 appearances in the top flight this term after a number of injuries, which kicked off with ankle surgery in the pre-season.
But Sale’s director of rugby Steve Diamond has recognised what a gem of a hooker he had with Jones and has taken him back to the north-west of England for next term on a two-year deal... who will rejoin the Sharks alongside Bristol team-mate Will Cliff.
Diamond said: “It’s great news for the club. They both know what we are about, the culture and where we want to be.
“Our signing programme is moving along nicely and we are just awaiting news on work permits and visas before we are able to announce some international signings.”
Jones, 29, said: “I have some great memories of playing at Sale Sharks and am looking forward to playing for the club again.
“I have enjoyed my time here at Bristol and would like to thank the club and the fans for their support.”
In the 12 seasons spent outside of his homeland, Jones has never featured on the international radar despite the Test team having a number of coaches in that time.
However, it could be argued Wales have had a number of high profile hookers in that time as well with the likes of Mefin Davies, Matthew Rees, Richard Hibbard and now Ken Owens wearing the jersey with aplomb.