Ryan Jones reckons the Ospreys can ride the crest of a wave in the Heineken Cup – after taking up surfing.
The Wales and Ospreys skipper believes Sean Holley’s men can make a real splash in Sunday’s big European kick-off against last season’s finalists Leicester Tigers.
And Jones, who has taken up the watersport since moving to the Gower this year, says his team-mates must also stand tall at Welford Road to end their Euro misery.
Jones, 28, said: “I enjoy getting out on the board and when the surf is up, what more can you want in life?
“The beach is about three-and-a-half minutes from my new house in the car and I can be in the water in five minutes.
“I’d fancied surfing for a while and as all the guys in my village were doing it, I didn’t have an excuse not to. But it’s not an easy sport to take up because it’s a tough skill – I admire anyone who surfs.
“I don’t profess to be good but at least I can stand up and catch a wave. But it’s a great escape when you’re bobbing around in the sea and watching the sun set.
“It doesn’t matter what else is going on or what job you do. You can be a manual labourer or a surgeon but we’ve all one thing in common – and that’s catching a big wave.”
Jones married long-term girlfriend Ailsa in the summer and has enjoyed a new lease of life this season following the bitter blow of missing out on the British Lions through concussion last summer.
The revitalised back-rower produced man-of-the-match displays in the comeback win at Glasgow and the rout over Edinburgh last week.
But Jones, who awaits confirmation from Wales coach Warren Gatland to see if he will continue as national captain next month, admits it can be a burden to carry both roles.
Jones said: “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t tough. I’ve been there and done the captaincy for quite a while but it is tough because in Wales, you’re always something to someone.
“You have ups and downs and you’re embroiled in it as being captain is not something you can take off and leave at the office door when you walk away at four o’clock.
“It’s a tag, a role and a position that you have 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But you have to live with the responsibility and roll with the job.
“I had a good break in the summer, feel fresh and I’m really enjoying my rugby – I’m happy. I’ll keep giving 100 per cent and being competitive because I’ll never change. I hope to stay fit, keep trying hard and I’m sure that decision will be made closer to the time.”
Jones has the chance to lay another marker down to Gatland when the Ospreys face old foes and two-time champions Leicester in their Pool 3 opener.
He added: “It is the best way to start the Heineken Cup. Leicester have a fantastic history and always reach the latter stages by winning the tight games.
“We’ve had great games in the past with a lot riding on them in both the EDF and Heineken Cup. And with that, we’ve built up a healthy relationship which both sets of clubs and fans love.
“We respect them because of what they have achieved and stand for but we know we’ll have to play a brand of attacking, cutting edge rugby to win.
“We know exactly what to expect from Leicester we can only worry about ourselves. We must step up a level and improve because we will have to play for the full 80 minutes.”
