Ospreys youngster Jack Jones has been handed the captaincy at Swansea RFC after just three appearances for the All-Whites.
The 18-year old second row made his Principality Premiership debut earlier this month in the 47-33 win over Bedwas at St Helen’s, and has already cemented his place in the Swansea starting line-up.
With regular Swansea skipper Sam Kiley currently in rehab after an ACL reconstruction and not expected back until the end of November, Jones has been appointed stand-in captain until Kiley’s return.
Explaining the appointment, Swansea Head Coach Jason Hyatt, said:
“Jack may only be 18 but he is a very mature person who has already shown with Swansea that he leads by example. He is the type of person who picks the right time to talk, preferring to lead through his actions. We believe that he will develop into a fine captain, and will thrive on the responsibility.
“This is a good appointment for Swansea, and for Jack, as he continues to develop as a player and a person. As a rugby club, Swansea understands and respects our position on the development pathway, and are pleased to be able to help the Ospreys develop the next generation of rugby players.”
A product of the Ospreys Player Development Pathway, Jones played his early rugby at Tonmawr and was schooled at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera and Llandovery College. Now a student at Neath Port Talbot College, he is an age-grade international and captained the Eyasses at U18 level.
He comes from a strong rugby background, with former Swansea and Neath back-rower Robin Jones his father and Neath and Wales legend Brian Thomas his grandfather.
After being handed the captaincy, Jones said:
“It’s a real honour to be appointed captain of Swansea, particularly at such a young age. Hopefully I will be able to do a good job of leading the team, and the experience will help me develop towards my aim of becoming a full-time Osprey.”
Jonathan Humphreys, Ospreys Forwards Coach, added:
“The appointment of Jack as Swansea captain follows a similar philosophy to the one that has seen us appoint Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric at the Ospreys. It’s about allowing these young men to grow as leaders as they come through the Ospreys ranks.
“Be it at regional or club level, the experience will allow them to become good solid captains. I’m sure like Alun Wyn and Justin, Jack, who is highly thought of in our environment, will learn from this experience and use it to push on as he seeks to pursue a career with the region.
“The relationship we have with both Bridgend and Swansea is one that allows us to work in harmony. Senior coaches attend the two clubs training sessions, can cast an eye over proceedings and maybe keep a closer eye on younger players like Jack, and decisions like this can be made with the best interests of clubs, players and the region in mind.”