Former Wales international Adam Jones and psychology and human performance specialist Andy McCann will join Warren Gatland’s back-room team for the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
95-cap and triple Grand Slam winner Jones joins Wales for the 2025 Championship on secondment from Gallagher Premiership side Harlequins. He will work closely with forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys during the campaign, with a specific responsibility for the scrum.
McCann, who previously worked with the Wales senior men’s team from 2009 to 2017, returns in an advisory capacity with a remit covering mental skills and performance. In his role he will support players from a mindset and mentality perspective.
Speaking about the appointments Gatland said: “I’m delighted that Adam and Andy will be joining us for the Guinness Six Nations and I’d like to thank Harlequins for allowing Adam to take up this opportunity.
“With less than two weeks to our first game against France in Paris, we will be working hard as a group to maximise our preparation and start our campaign on a high.”
Adam Jones added: “First of all, I would like to thank Harlequins for the opportunity to join the Wales coaching setup for the Six Nations.
“I’m looking forward to working with Gats and Humphs, two big influences on my career as a player – it’s all moved quickly but I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be a challenge coming from the Gallagher Premiership and this is my first taste of coaching international rugby, so there will be learning process for me as well but it’s great opportunity to make an impact and aid my development as a coach.”
Andy McCann commented: “I’m particularly excited with the opportunity to work in support of this group of players through the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.”
Former international and current WRU board member Jamie Roberts benefitted from McCann’s work in his playing days: ‘It’s brilliant for the playing group to have someone of Andy’s experience and wisdom to lean on during the upcoming Six Nations campaign.
“Having been around the camp for many years during Warren’s first tenure, I know from experience that Andy’s mental and motivational skillset played a pivotal role in supporting the growth, confidence, and performance of many of the household names of that generation.'”
Blackexcalibur
The record for the most consecutive victories in international rugby is held by the New Zealand All Blacks, who achieved a 47-match winning streak between August 2010 and December 2012.
Jesterzilla
Sport Trivia: Who was the first SA cricketer to take a hat trick in Test cricket? Answer: Geoff Griffin in the second test match against England at Lords in June 1960 — he dismissed Mike Smith, caught by the wicket-keeper, then bowled Peter Walker and Freddy Trueman. England went on to win the game by an innings and 73 runs. He never played another test match after that, due to his continually being called no-ball for alleged throwing.