MUSSELBURGH-born rugby star Huw Jones admitted he was “disappointed” to see only two Scottish players in the British and Irish Lions squad.
Warren Gatland picked only Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour in the squad, and centre Jones, who grew up in the Honest Toun, felt that there might have been more Scots involved.
The 23-year-old told Courier Sport: “I think we [Scots] were all disappointed when we saw only two names.
“Firstly, I am delighted for those two guys and good luck to them in New Zealand.
“There were a lot of other guys who had put their hands up, but at the same time it is difficult to argue with the squad they have picked – it is a strong squad.”
Jones, who is recovering from a serious hamstring injury which will keep him out of Scotland’s summer tour, had words of encouragement for his international colleagues.
The eight-cap centre said: “There are always guys who are called up to the squad late and there are always injuries – you wouldn’t wish that on anyone – but hopefully the boys keep training hard and you never know.”
Jones (pictured above moments before suffering his season-ending injury. Pic credit Ian Rutherford/PA Wire; and below in action against Wales, pic by Alastair Ross) revealed he had his sights set on Warren Gatland’s touring party before his injury.
Now though, he can only watch from the TV as his soon-to-be Glasgow Warriors colleagues make the trip to New Zealand as part of the 41-man Lions squad.
“I think everyone who is playing international rugby for one of the home nations has their eye on the Lions,” he said.
“It was in the back of my mind, but as soon as I did the injury and found out the seriousness of it, those thoughts all went.”
Instead, Jones is preparing to leave South Africa as he returns to Scotland with Glasgow Warriors, and admits he is unlikely to play any part in this year’s Super Rugby campaign for the DHL Stormers.
He will also miss Scotland's summer tour - their first matches under Gregor Townsend incorporating a Test with Italy in Singapore, before they face Australia in Syndey, and Fiji in Suva.
Jones revealed to Courier Sport the likely timelines for his return to the field.
“The timescales I’ve been given for the recovery are about four months, which would take me to the end of July," he said.
"I could be back sooner than that, but I’m not running yet, so while I’d never say never, I am not holding my breath.”
And he said he could be back in Scotland sooner than expected, adding: “My contract takes me through the Currie Cup [South African competition] but I’m not sure if I’ll be here for that.
“As it stands, I will, but we’ll need to wait and see.”
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