 Jones' injury cost him the World Cup captaincy |
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has refused to be drawn on when Stephen Jones will return to fitness and the role he will play at the forthcoming World Cup. "He'll be fit to play rugby, arguably before our World Cup opener against Canada on 9 September," said Jenkins.
"It's also about selection policy and I don't want to give away details."
The Scarlets star picked up a groin injury in training that cost him Wales' World Cup captaincy, and he finds his fly-half spot threatened by James Hook.
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Jones - who will miss all the August Tests - started at 10 in Wales' first four games of this year's Six Nations with Hook at 12, the combination struggling in four successive defeats.
A wrist injury to Jones gave Hook the opportunity to start at outside-half against England in Cardiff, and the youngster turned in a man-of-the-match display as Wales stormed to victory.
The physical centre combination of Gareth Thomas and Tom Shanklin also impressed, but Jones started his distinguished international career as an inside centre and Jenkins could be considering that option.
"We're not showing our hand, you'll have to trust us and the view we've taken will unfold," Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales.
| People need to realise we are going to the World Cup as a group Wales captain Gareth Thomas |
Wales' World Cup skipper Thomas insisted that he was unfazed by being Jenkins' second-choice leader and urged the country to get behind the team.
"People need to realise we are going to the World Cup as a group," said Wales' leading try-scorer and cap-holder.
"None of us are here as individuals. We smile together, we bleed together, we play together. That is a rugby player's life.
"Stephen is my team-mate but way, way before my team-mate he is one of my best mates.
"Off the field I support him, off the field he supports me and it is the same when we both go on the field. We will back each other.
"This is a very proud moment. I have had lots of proud moments playing for my country, but this is the biggest thing in the rugby calendar.
"It's the biggest rugby event of most of our lives. It doesn't matter whether you go as captain or not, this is what you live and breathe for."
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Interview: Wales coach Gareth Jenkins
Interview: Gareth Jenkins on Stephen Jones
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