Hair Bear Adam Jones hungry for Harlequins starting jersey

Adam Jones insists he has “nothing to prove” at Harlequins and that the club's stable of tyro tightheads will face a battle for places.
Jones, who won 100 caps for Wales and the Lions before being ruthlessly axed by his country last year, was recruited by Quins boss Conor O'Shea to add experience to a pack that struggled in a disappointing campaign.
Promising props Will Collier, Kyle Sinckler and Matt Shields can all expect to benefit from Jones' vast knowledge, but the veteran believes there are plenty of miles left on his clock.
Jones told TRP: “It will be tough competition but I told Conor that I haven't just come here to help out young kids. I want to play and start.
“I've spent the majority of my career as first choice for the Ospreys, Cardiff and Wales and I've not come to be a bit-part player. I want to be fully involved and I've got nothing to prove because of what happened with Wales.
“It wasn't the way I wanted my international career to end. My face didn't fit and that's that. But I'm incredibly happy with what I achieved with Wales and now I've been given the chance of a new lease of life at Quins.
“It came out of the blue, but it was a chance to do something different before it gets too late. It's taken me out of my comfort zone and Harlequins is a good club with a lot of history, so I'm looking forward to starting.”
Despite his determination to own the No.3 jersey, Jones will nonetheless be happy to impart his wisdom to the trio of younger tightheads.
He added: “We've only just started the proper heavy scrummaging in training but we're working on technique and I'm trying to pass a few things on. I'm enjoying it because I want to go into coaching eventually.
“Will, Kyle and Matt have all got different strengths but scrummaging-wise they look pretty good. They were chucked in at a young age which is not always ideal, but they're all strong boys who are learning fast and they'll get better and better.
“Conor and (forwards coach) John Kingston have told them to tap me up for any information and I'm taking things off them as well. You see things that Will Collier does that I'm trying to put in my game so it's not just a one-way street.”
Quins will start the season short-handed due to international call-ups but should be a different proposition once their England contingent returns along with new signings Jamie Roberts, Tim Visser and James Horwill.
“There's a lot of excitement around the camp,” says Jones. “Jamie came in the other day and he's a big name, big game player whose size surprised a few of the lads, so he'll be a great signing along with Visser and Horwill and it's looking pretty good.
“Quins weren't where they wanted to be last year and the boys are striving to ensure we get off to the best possible start. There's a way Quins play which I'll have to get up to speed with, but that's exciting as well.”
Jones, meanwhile, express- ed surprise at another ruthless cull by Warren Gatland that saw former Test mates James Hook, Mike Phillips and Richard Hibbard left out of the World Cup squad.
Jones said: “That's a lot of experience Wales have lost in a year but that's why coaches get paid the big bucks.
“I feel for Richard, that's the biggest surprise – maybe he was behind the eight-ball after arriving in camp late after Gloucester's season.
“They've gone with Kristian Dacey, who I played with at Cardiff. He won't let anybody down and I wouldn't be surprised if he forces his way in, so while I'm sad for Hibbs, I'm chuffed for Kristian.”
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