‘Sign of respect’: Huw Jones on what he needs to do at Toulon and fitness update

At 32, Jones is determined to improve himself as a player and sees the Top 14 as the ideal environment. He left Glasgow Warriors at the end of last season to join Toulon and is determined to embrace life in the French port city.

His final campaign with the Warriors was interrupted by injuries, most notably a long-standing Achilles issue which required surgery after the British and Irish Lions Tour. He returned in the new year then missed the end of the season.

“I had a foot injury,” he said. “Things have been gradually improving over the last two weeks. To be honest, I’d say I’m at about 85 per cent capacity. As for life here [in France], one thing has really struck me: the people. I’ve already been stopped in the street, and everyone is lovely. The training centre is magnificent. Honestly, I’m very happy to be starting this adventure.”

Fitting in

The injury meant Jones was not involved as Scotland played Argentina, South Africa and Fiji in the new Nations Championship but the centre has been using his time away from the game wisely, working on his French.

“I’m going to do everything I can to adapt as quickly as possible,” he said in an interview with rugby paper Midi Olympique. “Above all, I want to speak your language. It’s essential for fitting in and a sign of respect.

“I studied the language at school; I already have the basics. For the past few weeks, I’ve stepped up my lessons with a tutor. Now, we walk around town and I talk to people. It’s essential. As for rugby terminology, that’s universal. I’m not worried about that.

“For the rest, I’ll need to understand the specific nature of the Top 14. I’ve already grasped one thing: every match is crucial. I’ve analysed last season extensively. Early on, the standings shift a lot, especially between 4th and 10th place—it’s a tight pack. But later on, it’s almost impossible to climb back up. If you suffer a few losses, you drop very low, and that’s when the pressure mounts. Everyone talks to me about the pressure surrounding the club, but I think I’m ready for the challenge.”

The Top 14 is arguably the hardest league in world rugby, featuring the world’s best players, with 26 rounds of fixtures before the play-offs, and Jones is up for the challenge.

I see myself as a big-game player

“I know it’s a very tough league, and a very long season,” he said. “I took the time to fully weigh up all the factors before deciding to come to Toulon. You know, I’m an experienced player. I see myself as a big-game player, and the Top 14 offers that kind of intensity every weekend. Deep down, I’ve always wanted to play in France. I’m excited about what lies ahead—not just for me, but for my wife and my two-year-old daughter as well.

“And, at 32, I want to become a better player and help the club progress. This is the biggest move of my career. I really want it to work out—to help the team and grow as a man alongside my family.”

Jones came close to moving to France earlier in his career when he agreed to join Bayonne. However, the deal was scrapped following the club’s relegation. As chance would have it, Bayonne will host Toulon on the opening day of the new Top 14 season.

“That’s great, because the atmosphere there is fantastic,” said Jones. “Fate is at work again!”