Ryan reveals the pressure of leading country from front
NEW Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones found himself in the spotlight during last weekend’s defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield after declining a kickable penalty.
Now Ryan Jones, who skippered Wales a record 33 times, has given a fascinating insight to what it’s like to be in the hot-seat and having to make split-second decisions.
“Being captain is tough. The great thing about it is walking down the tunnel first and all that stuff,” he explained.
“But it does have a huge impact on the week leading up to it, the pressures of match-day and your ingame pressure.
“There comes a point where ... I remember Scott Johnson (former Wales caretaker coach and exOspreys boss) used to say to me ... you have got be judged by your execution on the field.
“When all is said and done the buck stops with you. But, to that point, you surround yourself with good people.
“I never for once had all the answers – there were players on the field far more qualified to make calls than me.
“It’s not for everyone. It’s welldocumented over the years people have struggled with it or don’t want it and the like but it’s a pretty unique place in sport.
“Captaining your national team is a huge honour. For me, the top seat in Wales is not the First Minister, it’s the Welsh rugby captain.
“The pressures and expectations that go with it probably warrant that title as well.”
The hugely-respected former back-row forward, who is now the WRU’s head of rugby participation, was a member of four Six Nations title-winning teams, three with Grand Slams.
His successor Sam Warburton has since bettered the mark, but relinquised the captaincy ahead of this year’s European championship to concentrate on his game.
Asked it he ever felt like giving it up during his time in charge, Ryan Jones replied: “Yes, you do.
“It was a brave call by Sam and he must be commended for making it, so he can focus on his own career.
“But, for me, it was something I treasured so dearly. It’s only a seat you keep warm for someone anyway. I probably lost it more than most people had it, but that was my journey.
“Everyone is different. There is no yardstick by which to measure because the one thing you have to do when you become a captain at any level is do it your way.
“You can’t be like anyone else because any changing room across the country is a vulnerable one and boys will see through it straightaway. So, you have to do it to the best of your ability.”
Asked what option – a penalty shot or go to the corner for a try as Alun Wyn Jones did following consultation with goal-kicker Leigh Halfpenny – he would have taken against Scotland, diplomat Ryan Jones grinned before replying: “Hindsight is a wonderful thing!”
Wales are almost certainly out of the race for the Six Nations title following defeats to England and Scotland and face second-placed Ireland at the Principality Stadium a week tomorow.
“Ireland is going to be hell of a challenge and I’m glad it’s at home because that brings added value,” said Ryan Jones. “Ireland have been playing well. They are physical and, as we saw in the autumn, they can play a great brand of rugby.
“I was as disappointed as everyone else at what happened in Scotland, but I have been there before and know what the guys are going through. It’s almost like a period of mourning and it’s hard.
“But the beauty of sport is there’s always next week and another challenge. In Wales, you’re either up there or down there, there’s no in-between.
“It will be interesting to see how they come out, but the reality of it is only those guys can put it right.
“They would have picked the bones out of it this week, but nothing short of a fantastic performance isn’t going to allow them to be competitive, so they have to put it right.”