Ryan Jones believes his young Ospreys teammates can boost Wales going into this year’s Six Nations.

The back rower has seen the likes of Eli Walker and James King rewarded for their regional form with a call up to the national squad.

And Jones believes his younger regional colleagues can be a breath of fresh air when the Wales squad meet up today.

“The Ospreys have done well so there’ll be a core of guys on form there,” said Jones who has captained Wales a record 29 times.

“The challenge now is to come into the environment on Monday with the belief we can win. There’s no reason why not.

“We need to take the pressure off the younger guys and allow them to do what they do, enjoy it and play the way they have been.”

Jones may be one of the elder statesmen in the Wales squad but his passion to continue playing at the highest level remains as strong as ever.

“As long as I feel I can contribute I’ll keep going,” he added.

“I’ve got another couple of years left at the Ospreys and I think we’re going on to bigger and better things. We’ve got more of a balance than we have had in the past with a variety of ages and I think we’ll benefit from that.”

Jones underwent an operation on a dislocated thumb following an injury sustained against Leicester in the Heineken Cup. He is expected to be out for four weeks but remains optimistic of featuring against Ireland on February 2.

Speaking at the launch of his Testimonial year, Jones admits he is thinking even further afield with a place on this summer’s Lions tour to Australia on his mind.

“I suppose you could say we’re on the final chapter. The book’s not closed but I suppose my body will dictate how long I go on for,” he added.

“I’m highly competitive, I love playing rugby and that’s what motivates me on a Saturday afternoon.

“There’s a lot of rugby to be played and selection (for the Lions) is always subjective.

“For me personally, I think there’s a long way to go from being not first choice for your country to playing for the Lions so it may be a step too far.

“But I think if you stay competitive you’re half way there.”

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