The trio of Toby Faletau, 21, Dan Lydiate, 24, and 23-year-old captain Sam Warburton burst onto the scene in the 2011 World Cup and continued their form through to the RBS 6 Nations.

Injuries permitting they could form Wales back-row for the foreseeable future limiting Jones’ chances.

The Ospreys star does have the advantage of versatility and being able to fill in all across the back and second rows and says he is determined to stick around wherever he can in what he feels could be a golden era for Welsh rugby.

“I’ve never been one to be driven by accolades,” Jones told the South Wales Evening Post.

“I just want to stay competitive. I’d love for the Ospreys to go from strength to strength and be a major contender in Europe again and I’d love to figure heavily in what I feel is going to be a bright future for this group of guys with Wales.

“It’s not individual goals that drive me on. It’s the prospect of being part of what I think is going to be a great few years with Wales.”

With Warren Gatland the current bookies’ favourite for a role in the British & Irish Lions set-up, Jones is also hoping he will be involved in his second tour.

But he denied that having Gatland as a national team boss will do him many favours should the Kiwi be appointed as Sir Ian McGeechan’s successor.

 “There’s two ways of looking at it,” he said. “It can be a massive asset in that he knows you inside out, so that can give you an edge over someone else.

“The flip side is that he knows you so well there may be parts of your personality or game that he doesn’t like. Also, he may not have seen those traits in others because he doesn’t know them so well.

“Really, it’s by the by. Someone has to do it and rugby is so well covered these days through the media that nothing is left to chance at that level. It’s almost irrelevant from a player’s perspective.

“It’s a great opportunity for Warren and his record speaks for itself. He’s had success with everyone he’s coached and it’s a huge challenge for him as an individual. We’ll all hope he goes well and we’d all like to be part of it.”