Wales will see a new Ryan Jones this season, according to Ospreys coach Scott Johnson.

The Wales captain has endured a frustrating six months having missed out on original selection for the Lions and then having to return home 48 hours after joining the squad in South Africa as a replacement.

But Johnson, who worked with Jones during Wales’ 2005 Grand Slam campaign, is impressed by the back-rower’s physical condition and his showings in pre-season.

“Ryan’s test results have been the best they have been in years,” he told Walesonline.co.uk

“I was fortunate enough to see him at his international best and I remember that well.

“We’ve had the results back from his testing and we are back where we need him to be. Physically he’s the best I’ve seen for three or four years.

“It will be really nice to see him out on the park. There’s a wonderful player there we know that.

“There is a chance for him to perform. He was playing a bit injured last year and has had a couple of tough years.

“He has come off some horrific injuries, but if we get him on the field fit and ready, we might see a new Ryan Jones.”