Young Guns: Ealing Trailfinders utility back Gabe Jones
Ealing Trailfinders academy utility back Gabe Jones made his U20s debut for Scotland in the Summer Series earlier this year and aims to help turnaround his country's miserable form.
Scotland are currently on a miserable run of 14 consecutive defeats at U20s level after finishing bottom of the Summer Series in eighth. However, Jones, who played in all four of Scotland's matches in the tournament believes they have the talent to turnaround their losing streak.
He said: “There's a lot of good young boys coming through the ranks. Some boys will be involved next year, and some will even be involved after that as well. So, hopefully we can all pull together and get Scotland out of this pretty rough patch we've found ourselves in.”
Jones' preferred position is full-back but throughout his youth career has operated at flyhalf and currently plays for Scotland on the wing.
The 19-year-old thoroughly enjoyed his first international tournament and added: “It was a great experience meeting new boys, living out in France for three and a half weeks. It was a shame the rugby didn't go as well as I hoped, but it was a great experience playing against the best boys from each of the countries. I really enjoyed it and of course singing the national anthem was special.”
Jones qualifies for Scotland through his Scottish grandmother but grew up in Newmarket and was in the Northampton Saints academy from 13 until 18.
He said: “I was there for around five years. It's a shame Covid hit as that derailed things a bit, but I loved my time at Saints. I know some of the boys who are doing really well now in the first team, who I've been close with so it's good to see those boys kick on.”
Having left Northampton, Jones moved to Ealing Trailfinders' academy programme and is involved in the club's partnership with Brunel University.
As well as studying for his sport and business management degree, Jones has his sights set on winning promotion with Brunel up to Super BUCS at the end of the forthcoming season.
He said: “I joined Ealing last year and I'm really enjoying it. It's a professional setup and we all play for Brunel University as well in the league below Super BUCS, so hopefully we can get promoted this year. We've had some of the first team coaches come and coach us which is good, and I can only be positive about my time there so far.”
Jones grew up idolising England legend Jonny Wilkinson but as he became a 15/10, he began to grow an affinity for All Blacks superstar Beauden Barrett.
He said: “I grew up watching Jonny Wilkinson a lot but as I got older, I started looking up to Beauden Barrett. It sounds bad as a Scot saying how good Wilkinson was, but he was unbelievable in his all-round game and attitude. Barrett can do everything, so when I watch him, it really helps as I can learn so much from his game.”
Jones is a former student at St Joseph's College, whose alumni includes England international Lewis Ludlam and Newcastle winger George Wacokecoke, and Jones credits the Suffolk school for where he is today. He said: “St Joe's was amazing, if it wasn't for St Joe's I wouldn't be where I am today. I joined there in year 10 and I absolutely loved it, and it really helped my rugby massively.”
