ieuan jones

How did you get into rugby?

I started at Bargoed Youth before having a few games at Pontypool and Newport. Then luckily the Dragons picked me up.

Who have you looked up to in your career?

As a No 8, Toby Faletau has been really helpful and has taken his chance for the Dragons and Wales brilliantly. Scott Quinnell was a childhood hero.

How would you describe your style of play?

I like having the ball in hand and having a go. I’m pretty agile around the park and like to offer myself as a lineout option.

Who was your mentor?

As well as Rob Appleyard and Alex Lawson at the Dragons, it’s my dad. He says, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” That’s my motto (Jones is 6ft 2in and 16st).

Have you been involved in the Wales age grades?

I was picked for last year’s Junior World Cup (JWC) and was involved in the last two games of this year’s U20 Six Nations.

What are your short-term goals?

To establish myself with the Dragons, and to do well at this year’s JWC out in France.

RW Verdict: A strong ball-carrier, with the ability to break a tackle and a never-say-die attitude, Ieuan has a big future.

This appeared in the June 2013 issue of Rugby World. Click here to see what’s in the current edition.