Jones must prove he’s worth the weight

HE’S known in Welsh rugby circles as the Hair Bear and the 30-minute man, but Adam Jones’s bulk could cost him his place in the Wales World Cup squad.

Warren Gatland has issued a warning to the prop forward, insisting that if he doesn’t improve his fitness, he won’t travel to New Zealand.

“Hopefully Adam has been training and his weight is okay and we’ll be able to keep him in the squad,” Gatland said. “He knows if he turns up and he’s overweight, I’ll turn around and send him home.”

A graph in the Wales camp proves Jones’ mobility and tackle count fluctuate according to his weight.

The 20-stone prop has fallen behind Ospreys teammate Craig Mitchell in the national pecking order. Mitchell is favourite to wear the number three jersey having impressed Gatland in the Six Nations with an average tackle count of 11 per game compared to just four registered by Jones against France.

“Mitchell had a great campaign and has given us the depth we were looking for,” Gatland said.

Jones is one of three Welsh players who will have to prove themselves worthy of a World Cup place by passing specific fitness tests on June 30.

Shane Williams, who’s recovering from a knee injury, and Gavin Henson, star of the upcoming TV show ‘The Bachelor’, will also be put through their paces by fitness coach Adam Beard before a final decision will be made on the squad.

“I’ve given them each specific programmes. They can’t slacken off. If any of them do, it’s going to be to their detriment because we have got a lot of competition for places,” Beard warned. “When they come in, they will be tested to see if they are of standard that they can go to our training camp in Poland. That’s D-Day for them.”