Jones to take up coaching role at Wasps (From Bucks Free Press)

Welsh fly half to hang up his boots

1:37pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

WASPS scrum half Stephen Jones will hang up his boots this summer in favour of a coaching rle at the club.

Jones has scored 970 points in 110 Tests for Wales and the British Lions and 119 points in 13 games since signing for Wasps last summer.

He said: “I feel incredibly lucky to have played for some fantastic sides down through the years and I feel the time is right for me now to make the transition into coaching, which is what I have always wanted to do.

“There is an opportunity for me to do that at Wasps and I am very excited about the next step of my career.”

Meanwhile, Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “I always thought Stephen would make an excellent coach and everything I have seen of him this season backs that up.

“It is sad to see him retire but what we are losing on the field we are gaining off it. I have always admired Stephen’s tactical nous and I think he will be an excellent member of our coaching team.

“In the meantime we have some massive games coming up and Stephen is going to play a big part as a player in the coming months.”

Jones added: "I want to say a huge thanks to everyone at the Scarlets, Clermont Auvergne and London Wasps – and I feel grateful to have worn three fantastic professional club shirts in my career.

"I also feel honoured to have pulled on the Wales and British and Irish Lions shirts and I appreciate everyone involved in those sides as well as the supporters who have been there and backed me throughout my playing days.

"I am taking with me some incredible memories and experiences.”