The Glasgow Warriors man was selected for Scotland’s World Cup squad in September last year, despite missing out on selection for the 2019 Japan tournament. Hugh played in all four games in his first World Cup, starting against South Africa and Ireland, and coming off the bench against Tonga and Romania. Although Jones was disappointed with Scotland’s group stage exit, he says the experience of playing on his biggest stage will be a memory he will remember for the rest of his life.
“I loved going out and experiencing the atmosphere. Of course there were a lot of traveling fans, but I think the overall atmosphere of France at that time was amazing.
“Obviously you’re preparing to play at the top against the best team in the world, so it’s really great. The game didn’t go the way we wanted, especially for our group. Those were the two big games, but again, it was great to be there. In the end, it’s disappointing that we lost in the group stage, but I’ll look back on it as a great memory.”
Jones has been a mainstay in the Scottish side in recent years and is also a key figure in Franco Smith’s Glasgow Warriors. He scored four tries in last year’s Six Nations, earning him a place in the official Championship squad. The 30-year-old has had a busy 2023, competing in all facets for club and country, but despite encountering the odd injury, he still enjoys being involved in such a highly demanding environment. He said he was there.
“It’s a very long time to be away from home, but when you spend that time with a group of people you get to know each other better, so it was really fun.” I went out and was confined to a physiotherapy room for rehabilitation. I had a week off so I managed to step away from rugby and clear my head completely. When I came back to play This is always good because I like to refresh mentally. I have no complaints about being a professional rugby player, it’s definitely fun and I’m really happy to be playing.”
For now, Jones’ attention is firmly on the Guinness Six Nations and this weekend’s match against Italy in Rome. He has started all three games so far and was the star of the final Calcutta Cup win over England, particularly scoring a superb strike for Duan van der Merwe’s first try. Scotland are in second place with two wins and one loss from their last three matches. Despite picking up three points to shore up their position in the standings, the Azzurri impressed in their last match against France in Lille with a 13-13 draw. Hugh is full of praise for Gonzalo Quesada’s side and knows Scotland must be in top form if they are to leave the Stadio Olimpico with maximum points.
Huw Jones is training at Oriam ahead of this weekend’s match against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.
“They have an attacking threat, they are in great shape, they have talented players. From that point of view, they are a threat with the ball, but at the same time they manage the game well. I think they’re strong tacklers who are good at playing under the ball and getting turnovers. We’ve previewed them as a team, how they play and what their strengths are. We know what’s going on. We’ll have to do our best to beat them there, but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”
Hugh is one of a series of Glasgow Warriors players to feature in Gregor Townsend’s current squad. He and his fellow Warrior Sione Tuipulotu have forged a formidable partnership in the team’s engine room since Tuipulotu’s debut in 2021, and their dual nickname ‘Huwipulotu’ is now popular among fans. Notorious. However, with Sione sidelined for the remainder of the Championship, Jones will be partnered in the middle by Cam Redpath, who produced an excellent performance off the bench in the Calcutta Cup in Rome two weeks ago. With Stafford McDowall and Rory Hutchinson also in the squad, Hugh is happy with the depth not just in midfield but across the board.
“We have great depth and I think that’s one of the things that has been building in Scottish rugby. I think we’ve had a good team for a while, but the depth It was very important to build that.” Even with players injured or sidelined, it only makes us more competitive and we hope that will push the standards forward in training and in games. And I think that’s great. ”
This campaign saw the arrival of several new players, including Harry Patterson, Alec Hepburn and Elliott Miller-Mills, who earned their first caps in the opening three games of the Six Nations. Hugh cited high team morale and strong internal bonds as one of the main reasons for Scotland’s recent improvement on the pitch.
“I get along very well with everyone. To be fair, I can list the whole team. I enjoy spending time with my friends every day. Of course, because of the time we spend together, some “Sometimes we get closer with some guys than others, and sometimes we have a similar sense of humor, but I wouldn’t say there are cliques on the team. It’s just a good atmosphere.”
Hugh leapt between George Furbank and Tommy Freeman to set up Duane van der Merwe’s first try against England.
As well as his success on the pitch, Hugh is also enjoying life off the pitch. Not only did he sign a new contract with the Warriors last week, but he and his wife Annabelle are expecting their first child soon. With several other team members welcoming children recently, Hugh admitted he is looking for tips from within camp as he prepares to embark on his exciting journey into fatherhood.
“Life is going well at the moment. It’s great that things are going well with Scotland and it’s an exciting time to be at the Warriors. And in my personal life, I’m expecting a baby, so that’s obviously a big achievement in my life. And that’s something we’re very excited about. We’ve had a couple of boys recently, and we have a lot of kids in tow, so we’re looking for a little advice. Of course, everyone has their own unique journey. Yes, but it’s good to have someone there to support you and give you advice when you need it.”
There is no doubt that Huw Jones will continue to enjoy the honour, as he approaches half a century of international caps and awaits the arrival of a new addition to his family.