Alun Wyn Jones insists he wants to play a leading role in “Wayne’s World” under new Wales coach Wayne Pivac.
The current captain has revealed he spent three days inside the Wales camp talking with Pivac, even though he was not part of the squad for the recent match against the Barbarians, the New Zealander’s first in charge.
After picking up the BBC Wales Cymru Sports Personality of the Year prize at the Wales Sport Awards, the 34-year-old Jones said he intends to target further Six Nations titles, a Lions tour in 2021 and possibly more beyond.
“I’ve sat down with him (Pivac) on a few occasions. I was in for that Barbarians week on the three days that he wanted everyone in,” said Jones.
“Warren Gatland was honest, consistent and essentially really proud of what he did and what he created with Wales.
“The phrase has been coined that it’s “Wayne’s World” now. Wayne is going to do it in his way but he wants to carry on with some of the foundations that have been laid.
“The losses still hurt but they inspire you to go on as well. It does spur you on and want to make you go again. We are carrying a bit of hurt from the World Cup.
“I am on a personal level because we went out there believing we could win it and we did not manage that. It’s (semi-final defeat) not what I or anyone else wanted.
“One of the highlights of the year was the Grand Slam, but you also look at the likes of Josh Adams, Aaron Wainwright, Tomos Williams and others.
“People have had opportunities and stood up. That’s probably as big as a Grand Slam, and with a new coach it’s exciting times.”
The Lions visit South Africa in 2021 under Warren Gatland and if he remains fit then Jones could be in contention for what would be his fourth Lions tour.
“I am not going to lie, I am aware it’s there, but it’s a two-pronged answer. You are never going to say never but you don’t want to be too greedy as well.
“I am fully aware you have to be fit playing well to be selected. If the planets align and I am potentially still there, then it’s somebody else’s decision.”
Jones led Wales to a Grand Slam triumph, to a world ranking of No. for a period, and to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Japan in 2019.
But he has yet to return to action for the Ospreys since the World Cup, while he recovers from a groin injury.
During his absence the Ospreys have endured a wretched start to the season, with nine defeats in 10 matches, but Jones says he is not far from returning to regional action.
“If you do enough mileage (at the World Cup) you need a break. I was planning to have an extended break anyway.
“I just now want to get back in that black jersey and I’m not far away.”