Ex-Wales front-rower Adam Jones has expressed his interest in coaching the British & Irish Lions scrum during their upcoming tour of Australia.
The 43-year-old, who boasts two Lions tours under his belt (2009 and 2013), has been a key figure in guiding Harlequins to the Champions Cup semi-finals, including a thrilling 42-41 victory over Bordeaux Bègles.
Jones, speaking on The Times' Ruck Podcast, stated: "If Faz [Andy Farrell] wanted to take me, Iâd bite his hand off. 100 per cent, I think I could do a job as a scrum coach for the Lions."
He continued, highlighting the unique nature of the Lions coaching role: "It's a funny one with the Lions, as a scrum coach, you're not going to change a lot of technique as these are the best props from the home unions. There's not a lot you can do around that. But if that job ever came up, Iâd bite their hand off. I've been twice as a player."
Jones also noted the relative lack of former Lions players coaching scrums at the top level, suggesting a possible conversation with Ieuan Evans, who is currently chairman of the Lions: "I don't think there's many ex-Lions players coaching teams at the scrum anyway. Is Ieuan Evans chairman this year? I'll give Ieuan a ring and see if he can sort me out!"
Jones isn't the only former Lion vying for a coaching position on the upcoming tour. Paul O'Connell, currently working alongside Farrell with Ireland, and former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who could potentially take on the role of specialist kicking coach, are also in contention.
Meanwhile, Sir Ian McGeechan, a legendary figure in Lions coaching history, has shared his selection for a potential Lions XV, featuring only three English players.
The 77-year-old, who has served as Lions head coach on four tours (1989, 1991, 1995, and 2009), as well as part of the coaching team in 2005, named his XV for I News.
McGeechan, who holds a distinguished coaching career with Scotland, Northampton Saints, Wasps, and Bath, selected two Scotsmen and a Welshman in his backline, reflecting the recent strong performances of these teams in the Six Nations.
Sir Ian McGeechan's Lions XV:
15 Blair Kinghorn - Scotland
14 Duhan van der Merwe - Scotland
13 Tommy Freeman - England
12 Sione Tuipulotu - Scotland
11 James Lowe - Ireland
10 Finn Russell - Scotland
9 Jamison Gibson-Park - Ireland
This selection demonstrates a shift in emphasis from England's dominance in previous Lions squads, highlighting the evolving landscape of the international game.