Heineken competitors await Pool draw outcome

Jones, nicknamed ‘The Voice’ by his teammates, and Shanklin joined the crowds outside Wales’s national ground to help promote the event, but fell short of entering the competition themselves.

“It was tempting,” said Jones. “But say I got through, I wouldn’t be able to commit to the next stage. 

“I haven’t really got the time to devote to being an internationally renowned mega-star of stage and screen. Besides, I’m already doing what I love best when I play rugby for my country.”

Shanklin thought ‘the voice’ should have given the X-Factor a crack and, after the pair had finished screaming “Cardiff’s got the X-factor” at the behest ITV camera crews, and to the joy of waiting queues, he even offered to dance if his colleague went through with an audition.

“No tap dancing or break dancing you understand, I’d just kind of do my own thing. The ‘Shanks dance’ if you like!” he said.

“In all seriousness there’s plenty of talented singers here in Wales and both Alun and I wish everyone who takes part the very best of luck – and please remember to come and watch us play when you are famous!”