The 26-year old will be directly up against Jones and while he is looking forward to the experience, he will treating this like any other game, one that needs to be won.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a big an honour and privilege really to go up against him, he’s such a high class player. The honours he’s won have been tremendous and he’s been a great servant to the game in Wales.
“It’s my seventh season playing for Neath and I’ve not faced anyone as experienced as Adam or anyone who’s even gone to make it as high as him. I’ll pay respect but obviously I’m there to try and play a good game.
“It’s Adam’s day but we’re going to go out there and play a bit and we’re not going to be a pushover. I know this match is to raise money for charity too so we’re all determined to make a good spectacle. We want to show the public that Neath can play a good brand of rugby.”
Downs and the Neath side will be using this match as valuable practise before the Premiership season starts on September 1st when Swansea visit The Gnoll.
“The other thing is that we need to do well as this is our only friendly,” Downs said. “We were all disappointed when Ulster pulled out of that friendly late on so now this is our only proper match before Swansea so we need to dust the cobwebs off.
“It should be an amazing night and I think the atmosphere and occasion will give rise to the good crowd that we’re expecting at The Gnoll. I think it’ll be a really good night for Neath and rugby in general. It’s nice for Adam to come back and play against Neath, the team where he made his name for himself. I hope he has a great night but we want to win the match and we all want to play well.”
Tickets for the Adam Jones Testimonial can be bought this Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the Neath RFC club shop at 13 Market Street, Neath. They are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for juniors.
Hospitality is available for tables of 10 for just £350 per table. This price includes tickets to the match and sumptuous two course meal. To book your place at this evening to remember, please contact nicola@neathrugby.co.uk.
A percentage of all tickets sold are being donated to the St David’s Foundation Hospice Care.
