 Mark Jones in action against England at the 2003 World Cup |
Wales and Llanelli Scarlets wing Mark Jones expects to be back in action early in the new season. The 25-year-old last played for Wales in the 2003 World Cup as he snapped his left cruciate ligament later that year.
After a long fitness battle he snapped the same ligament in his right leg in his comeback game in October 2004.
"The doctors are pleased and I'm back in training, but I'm not setting a return date in stone after what's happened," the 16-cap man told the BBC.
"It's been a horrendous time. I'm not the best spectator and my career has been on the line twice.
"There have also been mental obstacles, but you can't dwell on the consequences of playing.
 |  I want to pay back everyone at the club who has stood by me so superbly through the injuries |
"I should be ready for contact training in a few weeks, then it's all about gaining the confidence that the injuries will hold up." The popular Builth Wells man insists that his motivation for the game remains as strong as ever.
"I've said that all the rehabilitation would be worth it if I could just make one more appearance for the Scarlets," said Jones.
"But when you get the taste for rugby it's difficult to give up.
"I missed the Scarlets winning the Celtic League in 2004 and Wales' rise to win this year's Grand Slam.
"Now I want to pay back everyone at the club who has stood by me so superbly through the injuries and get back for Wales."
Scarlets and Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel is recovering from a broken bone in his left hand sustained in the Lions' third Test defeat to New Zealand. Peel, who started all three Tests for the Lions, is now on holiday in Australia and was already expected to be rested for the first month of the season.
MMIX
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