Shane Williams: We need Bomb back coaching OUR props

I’ve always had a lot of time for Adam Jones, but he didn’t strike me as a potential coach, not initially at least. That said, it didn’t surprise me this week to hear Kyle Sinckler speak so highly of Adam in his first week as a British & Irish Lion.
I don’t know Kyle as a person, but I was delighted to see him selected for the tour of New Zealand because I’m a big fan of the way he plays the game. He’s aggressive, doesn’t hold back, and is always prepared to take the game to the opposition.
I was interested to read his comments about Adam and how much of an impact he’s had on his development as a player.
I played so much of my rugby with ‘Bomb’ both with the Ospreys and Wales and his knowledge of the game is second to none. You don’t win 95 caps for Wales and go on two Lions tours without having something to offer and I’m delighted to see him passing that on to the next generation.
I don’t know what Adam is thinking about his future, but it’s clear coaching is something he’s not only interested in, but also very good at. Kyle’s comments and praise for him as a coach, mentor and friend, made me think. We could do with Adam’s expertise in Welsh rugby.
I know he’s still on the playing staff at Harlequins and I’m sure John Kingston and Graham Rowntree will be keen to keep him on when he eventually hangs up his boots. But as one of Wales’ most successful players, we can’t afford to let him slip through the net this side of the Severn Bridge.
I would love to see Adam take on a coaching role with one of the regions or maybe even the Welsh Rugby Union.
I know his retirement from international rugby left a little bit of a bad taste with Wales, but that’s all water under the bridge and if I was at the WRU I’d seriously look into giving him a role here.
It’s clear that in Sinckler, he’s helped guide a great talent to big things. Just think what he can do with some of Wales’ best young players!
There are a lot of young props in Wales who would only benefit from Adam’s guidance.
Cardiff Blues is one region that immediately springs to mind, and if he can help make Sinckler into a Lion in just one season, then he can certainly guide some of our players on to better things.
Who knows what will happen in the future, but Adam certainly looks like a future Wales forwards coach in the making. What a turnaround that would be if it happened!