20 Questions: Ryan Jones – Bristol back row
Won’t be long, there’s a vicious rumour I might get some rugby in for Bristol sooner rather than later! We’re looking at the next round of league games.
Bristol experience so far?
I’ve had a fantastic time and can’t speak highly enough of the club or fans. It’s been refreshing to be outside Wales and it’s been nothing but positive.
And huge crowds?
Brilliant. The fans are noisy, they have an impact and they’re thoroughly enjoying Ashton Gate. The ambition around the place is amazing to be part of.
Once a junior at Bristol City FC?
True, many years ago. I was a goalkeeper and being from Newport it was my nearest Football League club. But I was too fat and slow for football.
Play any other sports?
Tennis was my first sport before football but I suffered from this real bad genetic problem of being crap at both, so I took up rugby instead.
Where did you start in rugby?
I played for Risca youth before making the long trek to Newport. After that I played for UWIC, Bridgend and Celtic Warriors before joining Ospreys.
Rugby heroes growing up?
I loved Neil Jenkins, who I was fortunate enough to play with, and Scott Quinnell – iconic players.
Keep track of Ospreys?
They’re doing very well. That might surprise a few people but with the grounding and coaching the guys have they’re playing very well – as that club demands – and they’ll be full of confidence going into Europe.
Follow any other sports?
Growing up I supported Man Utd and my dad took me to Old Trafford during the Peter Schmeichel era. But after 10 years with the Ospreys I’m a Swansea City fan now.
Best moments in rugby?
Wales’ ‘stand-off’ against the Haka in 2008; the build-up to the 2005 Grand Slam; captaining Wales for the first time; phoning my family to tell them I’d been picked for Wales; and doing the same when I was picked for the Lions.
Worst moments in rugby?
Losing the Welsh captaincy several times; missing the 2007 World Cup; leaving the 2009 Lions tour early through injury; and Heineken Cup disappointments with the Ospreys.
Best players played with?
Shane Williams was the most exciting and Gavin Henson the most gifted, along with Justin Tipuric.
If you could be another sportsman?
Nobody in particular, but I would love to sink the winning putt at The Open, score the winning goal in a World Cup final, win a F1 race, win Wimbledon or score the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. Those iconic moments rock my boat.
How do you chill-out?
Mainly family as I’ve got a two young children. But I live by the coast so love being on the beach and enjoy a round of golf now and again.
TV you watch/turn-off?
Love 24, Blacklist… that American crime drama stuff. Hate reality TV shows… do my head in.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Genghis Khan, so I could know how he conquered the world; David Beckham because the ‘brand Beckham’ intrigues me; and Samuel L Jackson. Oh… and Sean Holley as well… or ‘The Singing Butler’ as we call him!
Pet hates or annoyances?
Littering, which I think is disgusting, and ill-informed, uneducated commentary.
Best banter ever?
Ian Evans before a must-win game for Ospreys at Leinster when he was just in his boots, socks and Y-fronts dancing around to Queen’s I Want To Break Free, dusting Alun-Wyn Jones with a feather duster. Alun-Wyn is probably rugby’s angriest man but it cracked us all up – and we won!
Remaining career ambitions?
I’d desperately like to establish establish Bristol in the Premiership. It’s a club that warrants it and has the appetite and means to do it.
Given up on Wales now?
I’d never give up on that. The jersey means too much to me and I’d never say never ahead of next year’s World Cup. We’ll see.
