Stephen Jones on his return to Clermont

Nov 11 2007 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

STEPHEN JONES doesn’t know what to expect when he returns to his former club Clermont Auvergne for the first time this afternoon.

The Wales and Lions fly-half is part of the Scarlets side which opens its Heineken Cup campaign in France.

Jones, who played for two seasons with ‘the Vulcans’, became a cult-figure during his stint with the club.

The 30-year-old is the first to admit his time in his France had a profound effect on him as player and a bloke.

“I had a great time with Clermont but I really don’t know what reception I am going to get,” said Jones.

“The supporters were great to me but I know they always get right behind the team and create a pretty volatile atmosphere.

“I am sure I will know in the first five minutes how it’s all going to go.”

During his final season with Clermont he was voted top fly-half in French rugby, beating the likes of Freddie Michalak and David Skrela to the honour.

He is the first to admit his experience in France made him a better player.

“It was the change and the kick up the backside I needed,” said Jones.

“It was the first time I had lived and worked outside Wales and it was a real wake-up call.

“I was on my own, with no family and friends around me, and I just had to knuckle down and get on with it.

“My game had to change and it was a hell of an experience.

“We lost our first coach after our third game and then another one was sacked and that was how it went for most of the season.

“The players used to always joke that Clermont was French rugby’s train station and that players and coaches were only passing through the club.

“But I wouldn’t have missed out on the experience of it all. The people, the supporters and the club really looked after me.

“Playing in places like Paris and Biarritz in front of big crowds on a Friday night and then jumping on a bus and getting home at 5am was a hell of an experience. When I first started in Wales everybody would moan about travelling an hour up the M4 to play in Newport!”

Jones and his Scarlets will have their work cut out at the Parc Des Sports Marcel-Michelin, this afternoon.

Clermont narrowly missed out on the French title to Stade Francais last season.

They have also recruited the likes of South African World Cup winning captain John Smit and Heineken Cup winner Alex King.

But the Scarlets are the only Welsh region to have established a winning habit away from home in Europe.

They beat French giants Toulouse and Ulster away from home in their remarkable march to last season’s semi-finals.

“We have shown we can do a job away from home,” said Jones.

“Toulouse were battering us and scored 20 points in the first half but we showed great character in that game and ended up worthy winners.

“But we know we are in a tough Pool against three great teams in Clermont, Wasps and Munster.

“I just believe we have to stick to our guns and enjoy it all. We are still a young side but we just have to go out there and have faith in each other and the way we play the game.”