25 Jan 2015

Wales' Adam Jones retires from Test rugby

4:07 pm on 25 January 2015

The Wales and British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones has announced his retirement from international rugby, in an interview published with Britain's Sunday Times.

British & Irish Lions Tour To Australia 2013. Lion's head coach Warren Gatland and Adam Jones.

British & Irish Lions Tour To Australia 2013. Lion's head coach Warren Gatland and Adam Jones. Photo: Photosport

The 33-year-old prop made 100 Test appearances in total, 95 for Wales and five for the Lions, and played in three grand slam-winning teams.

However, the Cardiff Blues front-rower was left out of the Wales' squad for this season's Six Nations, unveiled by coach Warren Gatland earlier this week, having also been omitted by the New Zealander for the November Tests.

"It's obviously not the way I would want to finish, it's not how I planned it in my head, and I hope no one thinks I am simply quitting," Jones, who made his Wales debut in 2003, told the Sunday Times.

Jones's last appearance for Wales was the 38-16 defeat by South Africa in the first Test of their tour in June.

His announcement means Jones has given up hope of earning a Wales recall in time for this year's World Cup in England.

Despite his disappointment at being left out of recent Wales squads, Jones said he respected Gatland's decision.

"Warren is the man who came in and saved me, he gave me a kick up the [backside] so he's been a massive influence on me, and I'm very grateful," Jones said.

"I don't agree with him not picking me. But he's got to pick who he thinks is best."