Warriors boss Mike Ruddock has revealed how his scrum halves have been given a special master class by Wales and British & Irish Lions legend Robert Jones in the run-up to the Newcastle Falcons clash.
Jones, who was capped 54 times for Wales during his career, attracted widespread admiration during his playing days for his invention and the quality of his passing, which was often to by pundits as the best in the world.
In addition the accuracy of his box kicking from the base of the scrum or lineout was a potent weapon.
Ruddock this week invited Jones into Sixways Stadium to work with Matt Powell, Jonny Arr, Ben Jones and young prospect Ollie Frost and was delighted with the session.
“It was great to see Rob at Sixways delivering a master class session,” said Ruddock.
“Rob was a fantastic rugby player at the highest level and he produced the goods with Wales and the Lions.
“He has always been a real gentleman and displayed the right values of a professional rugby player.
“It was a great boost to have someone of his quality working at the club and I’m hoping it’s not going to end with a one-off session and he will be able to visit again and do some video analysis and one-to-one coaching with some of the players to help them go to the next level.”
Jones, who was part of the victorious British and Irish Lions tour to Australia in 1989, revealed he has enjoyed his time with Warriors and was looking forward to a possible return.
“I have known Mike for over 15 years since our Swansea days, we got chatting and Mike mentioned the idea of a session and I was delighted to come along and offer some expertise to the boys here,” he said.
“I have been at the Scarlets for the last few years and since leaving them I haven’t done anything so I am keen to get back involved.
“It was a general session on passing and kicking, plus the technical side of it and passing off the ground. It reiterated a lot of the good work done by Billy McGinty and Gary Meechan at the club.
“We looked at specific drills they can use as part of sessions which might enhance their development in their areas.
“I was impressed by the players here and how keen they are to develop and get better. The ethos at the club and the way the coaching staff want them to play is fantastic.
“They guys reacted really well and the feedback was positive. It was an interactive session and they took on my ideas and they expressed some of their own. Even the younger boys had an input along with Matt Powell who is one of the more experienced campaigners.”