Let hero Ryan Jones skipper the Lions

Apr 14 2008 by Simon Roberts, Western Mail

Ryan Jones

TRIUMPHANT Ospreys coach Lyn Jones has dubbed Ryan Jones the British Lions captain in waiting.

The Ospreys chief believes the leadership skills shown by Jones for country and region this season marks him down as the outstanding candidate to follow in Martin Johnson’s footsteps and lead the Lions on the 2009 tour to South Africa.

The back-row man was an inspirational figure on Saturday as the Ospreys bounced back from their Heineken Cup horror at Saracens by beating Leicester in the EDF Energy final at Twickenham.

Jones’ success as captain followed the way he led Wales to their Grand Slam triumph.

“It was a big decision to make Ryan captain this year,” said Ospreys coach Lyn.

“But I thought his personality was spot on for captaincy. This weekend he took on Martin Corry at the captaincy role and I thought he edged it.

“For me, Ryan Jones is already captain of the Lions for next year. He is a leader on the field. His performances are exemplary. He is hard on himself, he is hard on everybody else.

“He demands high standards and he won’t go missing next year in South Africa.”

Jones also launched an outburst at Welsh rugby’s jealousy culture after his team mauled the Tigers at Twickenham.

The coach refuted suggestions the star-studded Ospreys had simply bought success, insisting it wasn’t that easy.

“We get kicked in the pants for having ambition,” said Jones. “People say we bought a team, but we certainly haven’t.

“Of the men who played against Leicester, 15 have come through the Ospreys system.”