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Stephen Jones’ New Start

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    Posted: 15 August 2004 at 12:54pm

STEPHEN JONES has revealed any fears about his move to French giants Montferrand have been allayed.

French rugby's big spenders have a reputation for chopping and changing their first team every season.

But the 26-year-old believes Montferrand are about to dump that policy and are, ironically, trying to emulate his former side, the Scarlets.

The former Scarlets fly-half, who signed a two-year deal with Montferrand this summer, marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career in the French championship opener against Montpellier this Wednesday.

And if his performance in his side's pre-season games are anything to go by, Jones looks poised be a favourite with the Montferrand faithful.

The 40-times capped international has already guided his new club to two pre-season wins over Agen and Aurillac and rattled up 23 points with the boot.

Jones, who admits he was apprehensive about his move to France, believes he has signed for Montferrand at the right time.

"I was really apprehensive about the move because the club had a reputation of being a railway station," said Jones.

"The coach has told me that players used to come and go every season.

"But his big thing is that they must become more settled and he has brought five players in to stay with the side.

"He wants a strong foundation and to build the side slowly over a number of years.

"They have a very good under-19's set-up over here and they want to emulate what the Scarlets have done over the years.

"We used to have a core of the same players and would bring in a couple of players a year through the system and bring in players from outside to strengthen the squad.

"Montferrand want to do the same."

Jones was Montferrand's marquee signing for the forthcoming campaign - the player they want to build their side around.

The French side fought off the likes of Leicester and Saracens for his signature this summer.

Jones is well aware of what is expected from him and has been told he is the "guvnor" for his new club.

"They do expect the nine and ten to run and control the game over here," said Jones.

"Much more than we do back home.

"But for me it's just like a new start and everything is a breath of fresh air.

"I have really enjoyed and have learnt so much, but the season hasn't started yet.

"They do play a very high-tempo game out here. If that continues when the season starts for real, I will just have to wait and see.

"The real plus is that Montferrand are trying to play the same way as we did at Llanelli.

"We are trying to play an open game and that means the patterns of play are very similar."

Jones has swapped life at Welsh rugby's most successful side - the Scarlets - for French rugby's under-achievers - Montferrand.

His new club has fallen at the final hurdle so many times and been forced to live in the shadow of the likes of Toulouse and Stade Francais.

Jones admits the French Championship will be a formidable tournament.

"Toulouse are probably the biggest club here," said Jones.

"Then you have the likes of ourselves, Biarritz, Perpignan and Stade Francais.

"But I expect every side to be strong out here. We are just one of 16 teams in the French championship - we are talking about a massive league covering a very big country. Montferrand have more than 10,000 members, which are like season ticket holders, and there is a real desire to do well at the club.

"They have reached seven French Championship finals and lost all of them - it's a record they are determined to put right."

French clubs have an unwritten rule about the players they try to sign and the positions they can play.

For example, there isn't a non-French speaking scrum-half in the French championship. The No 9 in every side has to be French.

Jones admits the language-barrier is a problem but he is learning to survive on the field.

"I know how to communicate and have picked up the phrases I need on the pitch," said Jones.

"That could have been difficult but has been okay.

"It's tough but it's a great challenge.

"It's been everything I thought it would be and more.

"It's completely different with a different approach to the rugby and the culture.

Then, of course, there is the language. I think I just needed a change.

"The coaches, the players and supporters have been great to me - that's probably because we won are two pre-season games !

"But seriously, they keep asking me out for dinner or to their homes and they have really made an effort and that has made it easier for me."

Jones missed Wales' summer tour to Argentina and South Africa with a back-injury, but admits he needed a break.

"I was disappointed not to make the summer tour," said Jones. "It was tough watching the boys but I do feel fresh and happy and ready to play."

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Vulcan View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vulcan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 August 2004 at 7:28am

He has made a confident start and in general we like him.

You are all welcome on any of the vulcans websites, some English can be spoken, but at the moment no Welsh.

Good luck to the Scarlets. Please beat Stad Toulousain.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Boynsmun Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 August 2004 at 11:49am
Thanks Vulcan -we will do our best!! xx
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 August 2004 at 8:16pm
good to see he is doing well
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pwllendprincess Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 August 2004 at 10:50pm

i hope everything works out ok for him, pob lwc

PwllEnd Princess (P.E.P) xxxx
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gemma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 August 2004 at 10:51pm
Me to! good luck to him! and i hope that he comes back after his 2 years out there!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vulcan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 August 2004 at 7:32am

Stephen plays for ASM tonight against Montpellier. He starts at no 10.

Wish him well on http://cybervulcans.net/forum/

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vulcan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 August 2004 at 7:38am
SJ was injured last night after 58 mins. Sounded like concussion, received as he collided with an opponent, he missed a resulting penalty, seemed to be in the clouds, and walked off for treatment.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Beefs army Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 August 2004 at 9:29am

What was the result?

 

Is he playing well for you

 

Any news on the injury

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vulcan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 August 2004 at 12:18pm
He is playing OK.
Montpellier won 27-12
Stevo scored 3 penalities, and in about 58th minute went for a high ball with their no 9 who as he jumped had both knees forward.
Stevo was bad injured, stretcher came on, but after a while, he got up, but played in the clouds and had to go off. Probable concussion.
Maybe TV will show more than montpellier Blue radio.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scarletprincess Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 August 2004 at 9:42pm
Originally posted by Vulcan Vulcan wrote:

Stevo scored 3 penalities

Must be playin well hes even got a nickname Lol.  All the best Steve u deserve it



Edited by Scarletprincess
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