Jones revels in Grand Slam glory - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Jones revels in Grand Slam glory

The Grand Slam champagne tasted all the sweeter to Wales captain Ryan Jones because of the injury hell he has been through over the last three years.

Jones has had two operations for separate injuries on the same shoulder since the 2005 Grand Slam, forcing him to miss the whole of the following season and eight months of last year, but he was made Wales captain in January and seven weeks later he lifted the RBS 6 Nations trophy.

"I realised how special these moments were when I was sat on the touchline for so long with some pretty bad injuries," said Jones after Wales had completed the 10th Grand Slam in their history.

"I think it is those moments that make you appreciate these all the more.

"I told the boys, my proudest moment was not lifting the trophy on behalf of them but just being associated with them in the changing room.

"I know how hard these guys have worked and they got what they deserved.

"These occasions are also great for the family and friends who were with you during those pretty dark times.

"Everyone wants to pat you on the back when things are going well but there are not many people who will pop round the house when you are low and down. It is a big thank-you to them."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking