Ryan Jones has gone under the knife for an ankle injury picked up over 10 years ago
Ryan Jones has gone under the knife for an injury picked up during his playing days(Image: Swansea Bay University Health Board)
Former Wales Grand Slam-winning captain Ryan Jones has gone under the knife – for an injury picked up over 10 years ago.
Jones, who retired in 2015 and won 75 caps for Wales, has had a plate in his leg since breaking his ankle during a playing career that yielded three Grand Slam victories.
The old injury had started to become debilitating over the years, and with Jones a keen triathlete following his decision to hang up his boots, he made the decision to have the plate remove.
The 44-year-old underwent surgery in Neath Port Talbot Hospital before Christmas, and is now recovering with physiotherapy.
He said: “I’m 10 years post playing now – if I was an old car there would be a fair few miles on the clock, so there’s almost inclusive running repairs.
“I’ve always tried to stay super active and super fit since playing but one of my old injuries in my left leg has crept up on me and got progressively worse.
“I broke my ankle playing right at the end of my career but, as is the way with these things, it’s never quite straightforward. There were a few other things there, besides taking the plate out.
“Hopefully this will mean I can return to doing all the things that I love doing. My running, my cycling, and being active out and about.”
Since his retirement, Jones has also taken part in two Iron Man competitions, with the first one pitting him up against a familiar face.
“I’ve done Wales Iron Man twice and Shane [Williams] was there for both of them. The very first one was a career low point.
“Having made Shane the player he was by making a few tries for him, he did pass me on the marathon stage and tapped me on the backside as he ran past! He’s got a distinct advantage mind you – he’s half the size.”
Jones is hoping to be back competing again soon, and has expressed his gratitude to the members of staff at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
“I’m a big supporter of the NHS,” he added. “I did a lot of fundraising for them during Covid. I have an affinity for this hospital as they looked after my nan fantastically, when she was here, and my mum is currently having some treatment here.
“Now they are doing a superb job looking after me. Not only the care and compassion that the staff has shown, you always feel like nothing is too much, but also the professionalism.
“I’ve been around the world and, unfortunately seen the inside of lots of medical facilities, and this one here in Neath Port Talbot, and the people involved, has made the experience incredible.
“It’s given me hope.”