Jones returned to action for the Ospreys this week following a shoulder reconstruction operation.

He came through unscathed from their friendly against a Regional Select XV, declaring he has never felt better.

And that will come as music to the ears of every Wales fan at the start of a new season that will end with the 2007 World Cup in France.

Jones was a central figure in Wales' RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam triumph (2005) before lifting the Celtic League title with the Ospreys and earning a late call-up to the British Lions.

Jones told Wales on Sunday: ''Everyone remembers what I achieved in 2005 and now I have got to try and live up to that. People expect me to reach that level again but right now I just want to be back playing because I have missed it so much.

''In many ways, I feel as though I am starting all over again this season. With so much competition for places at the Ospreys and a new national coach in Gareth Jenkins, I have got to start from scratch to get back to where I was.

''Obviously, I still dream of playing for Wales and this is going to be a massive season with the World Cup next year.

''But first I have to prove that I deserve a place in the Ospreys team and then build from there. You don't get selected on past success so I've got a lot to do.