Fly-half Jones called into Wales party

10:15, 27 Jan 2012

Wales have called veteran fly-half Stephen Jones into their RBS 6 Nations training squad.

The 34-year-old, who has won a record 104 caps for his country, was left out of coach Warren Gatland's original 35-man selection for this week's training camp in Gdansk, Poland.

But with first-choice fly-half Rhys Priestland (knee) struggling to be fit for Wales' tournament opener against Ireland in Dublin on February 5, and Perpignan's James Hook having to return to his club for their Top 14 fixture this weekend, the decision has been taken to call Scarlets playmaker Jones up as training cover.

A Welsh Rugby Union Statement said: "Wales have called Stephen Jones out to their RBS Six Nations training camp in Poland.

"Jones provides extra training cover in the fly-half position and is available for full training from today (Friday)."

Hook is likely to be handed the starting role should Priestland fail to prove his fitness for the Aviva Stadium clash, which would potentially leave Jones in line for a spot among the replacements.

Gavin Henson is the other outside-half option in Gatland's squad, but he has not featured at number 10 in his three appearances to date for the Cardiff Blues.

Wales will be without prop Gethin Jenkins for part of the Six Nations after he was ruled out for five weeks with a knee injury, while centre Jamie Roberts (knee) and flanker Dan Lydiate (ankle) are fitness doubts for the Ireland fixture.