The 24-year-old Ospreys player is sitting out the opening weeks of the season as he finishes the 10-week rehabilitation period insisted upon by the Wales management, and will not return until the European Cup campaign begins.

''I will come back three or four games before the New Zealand match, so it is not a lot of time to shine really,'' Jones told the Western Mail.

''And that is tough because you know that others have been playing in your jersey.

''We could play any of about three or four different back rows, and they would each be capable of doing a fantastic job for Wales.''

Jones appreciates the need for sufficient recuperation, though, with international colleagues Gavin Henson and Shane Williams currently out injured.

''I have sympathy for Gavin because he has been struggling with that injury for ages,'' said Jones.

''I am sure that him taking time out at the moment is the best thing for him. But he is such a radical player, it is a big loss. He is the kind of player who might not seem to be doing much stuff on the pitch, but really he is working hard.

''Gav and Shane are match-winners and we need them fully fit and firing again.''