Jones surprised by leadership role

12 April 2012

Alun-Wyn Jones admits he was taken aback when head coach Gareth Jenkins appointed him in Wales' six-man leadership group for the World Cup.

Jones' qualities were identified by the sports psychologist working with the Wales squad and he joins squad captain Gareth Thomas, Stephen Jones, Michael Owen, Jonathan Thomas and Dwayne Peel on the panel.

"Initially I thought I might be a bit young to be doing this but I spoke to the psychologist who said I wouldn't be there if they didn't think highly of me," said Jones.

The leadership group includes three players who have captained Wales and Jones' selection is a clear indication of his potential as a future Test skipper.

In fact, former Wales lock Derwyn Jones recently compared him to a younger version of England's World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson.

But Jones, who has just finished the third year of his law degree at Swansea University, had not seen it coming.

"I have been put in the leadership group and apparently I have the qualities to be there. If they believe in me I will trust their selection.

"We have a set of guidelines to follow - belief, desire, constructive honesty - and we will need all of those to do well at the World Cup.

"It is important the quality on the pitch is reflected off it. Gareth has chosen us to do that."

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