Wales coach Warren Gatland paid tribute to Adam Jones after the prop announced his retirement from Test rugby, insisting he could still perform at international level and was more than “injury cover”.
Jones, 33, made 100 Test appearances in total, 95 for Wales and five for the British and Irish Lions, and played in three Grand Slam-winning teams (2005, 2008 and 2012).
However, the Cardiff Blues front row was left out of the Wales squad for this season’s Six Nations unveiled by Gatland earlier this week, having also been omitted by the New Zealander for the November Tests.
“I want to thank Adam for his achievement in winning 95 caps for Wales and earning five Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions,” said Gatland in a statement issued by the Welsh Rugby Union on Sunday.
“There is no doubt that Adam has played a huge part in Wales’ success.
“He has three Grand Slams and a (Six Nations) championship to his name. That is an unbelievable record.
“He made a big impact and contribution on the international stage, and we all wish him well for his future career with the Cardiff Blues.”
Jones’s last appearance for Wales was the 38-16 defeat by South Africa in the first Test of their tour in June.
His international future was called into question after he was replaced by Samson Lee just 30 minutes into that match after struggling in the scrum.
Jones, a familiar figure on the field with his long curly hair, announced he was quitting Test rugby in an interview with Britain’s Sunday Times.
His decision means he has given up hope of earning a Wales recall in time for this year’s World Cup in England.
Gatland selected Lee, Aaron Jarvis and Scott Andrews as his tighthead props in a squad for the Six Nations, which begins when Wales face England in Cardiff on February 6.
Jones, in a statement released Sunday by his agents, said: “This year, I promised myself that I would work as hard as possible and do everything within my power to get back into the Wales squad.
“Despite putting my all into this, it has become apparent that it wasn’t enough.
“I feel like I am more than just injury cover, and have therefore decided to call it a day.”
Before Gatland unveiled his squad on Tuesday, Jones had been tipped for a Test recall given Scarlets forward Rhodri Jones was ruled out of the entire Six Nations tournament due to a shoulder injury.
But it was not to be and Adam Jones said: “Playing for my country has been the proudest moment of my professional career.
“However, it is now time for me to step aside and let new talent run out in the red jersey of Wales.
“I am committed to my club Cardiff Blues and look forward to the rest of the season.”