IF the family tree is anything to go by it won't be long before Jack Jones is making a name for himself at the Ospreys.
The 20-year-old Wales Under-20s second row has been brought up in a family steeped in Neath and Swansea rugby tradition.
His grandfather was the late Gnoll legend Brian Thomas, dad Robin played back row for Neath and Swansea, while Jack is also the nephew of former Neath and Wales flanker Rowland Phillips, who thrived in both rugby codes.
"It's great to have people like that in my family trying to guide me in the right direction. It's a positive," said Jones, who was handed the captaincy of Swansea at the age of just 18.
"When you've got people with that much experience, it all goes back into you.
"It has to be positive for my rugby.
"I get advice and when I'm doing things wrong in games I'll get it off the coaches and I'll get it off my relatives as well!"
Jones is one of a number of Wales's Junior World Championship squad now looking to make the grade in the senior game.
A member of the side that reached the final in France — he played blindside flanker against England — he was one of Wales's standout players in the 23-15 defeat, putting in a tenacious defensive display and carrying with venom.
Jones spent last season on loan at Italian side Rovigo, but having returned to the Liberty, he is now hoping to find a way into Steve Tandy's side, even though a host of British Lions and Wales internationals stand in his path.
"I look back on the World Cup and it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life," said the former Ystalyfera pupil.
"The boys did well, reaching the final was a massive achievement, but that's past now. We're all looking forward to getting an Ospreys jersey.
Jones added: "The first day back for pre-season wasn't easy, I'll say that, I almost died, but it's good to get back with the first team and working hard.Hopefully it's going to be a good season for us.
"When you're away at a tournament you're in a rugby mindset. You're set-up to be a professional rugby player for three weeks. Coming back here now, hopefully I can be a professional player week-in, week-out. I'm getting used to it."
STEPHEN WARE
