Jones - the smiling wind-up artist who refuses to fade away

For all his contradictions, Jones remains a rugby obsessive. Nothing illustrated that better than his answer when asked which Welsh player had left the greatest impression on him.

Not Gareth Edwards, Shane Williams or Alun Wyn Jones, but Liam Williams, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back renowned for his bravery under the high ball.

"Every time I come to Millennium Stadium (sic), I have this picture of Liam Williams winning box kicks," Jones told the Scrum V podcast.

"He was all elbows and knees, but he could do something brilliant in the game."

It was a rugby purist's answer. An appreciation of the finer details rather than simply the most celebrated names.