Jenkins Celebrates Jones' Success

And when Jones becomes the 165th Llanelli player to be capped by Wales against Fiji this Saturday, his club coach will be the happiest man in Wales.

Gareth Jenkins spotted Jones playing for the Scarlets' under 19's side four years ago and knew then that he had what it takes to represent his country.

In his twenty years as club coach, and as a player for 12 years before that, Jenkins has seen such talent as Ray Gravell, Derek Quinnell, Nigel Davies, Ieuan Evans, Robin McBryde and Scott Quinnell - and his judgement

is usually spot on.

'Right from when we saw him in our youth side there was no doubt in our minds that this day would come,' said Jenkins.

'We are delighted that Dafydd has been given this early opportunity. He is a player that is going to be competitive and in contention for the Rugby World Cup in Australia this summer without a doubt.'

Jones is in his third season at Stradey Park and was initially promoted to the senior side after a long term injury to Simon Easterby kept the Irish international out for a season in 2000.

Since then he has experienced the best European club rugby has to offer, reaching the Heineken Cup semi-finals last year and playing alongside experienced internationals in Scott Quinnell, David Hodges and Easterby.

'He has been in our first team for two seasons and he is in good company in our back row,' added Jenkins.

'He has learnt his trade alongside the incumbent Irish No 6, the USA captain and No 8 and Wales No 8 and the greatest accolade I can give him is that he unquestionably holds his own.

'This recognition will empower him and lead him to bigger things. Daf still has the potential to improve and this has come at the right time for him.'

Dafydd Jones has played for Llanelli at U17, U19 and U21 levels and played a loan spell at Llandovery. He is the 173rd international player to come out of the Stradey Park production line, with 165 of those players featuring for Wales.