THE Sixways scrum-halves this week received a Lions masterclass courtesy of stellar former Wales number nine Robert Jones.

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock contacted his long-standing friend Jones, who was part of the victorious British and Irish Lions tour to Australia in 1989, to deliver a coaching session in the run-up to tomorrow’s Newcastle Falcons clash (8pm).

Jones, who was capped 54 times for Wales during his career, said he enjoyed his time with Warriors and was looking forward to a possible return.

“I have been at the Scarlets for the last few years and since leaving them I haven’t done anything so I am keen to get back involved,” he revealed.

The scrum-half attracted widespread admiration during his playing days for his invention and the quality of his passing, which was often referred to by pundits as the best in the world. In addition, the accuracy of his box kicking from the base of the scrum or line-out was a potent weapon.

During his visit to Sixways, Jones worked with Matt Powell, Jonny Arr, Ben Jones and young prospect Ollie Frost, but injured scrum-half Ryan Powell missed out.

Jones added: “I have known Mike for over 15 years since our Swansea days, we got chatting and Mike mentioned the idea of a session and I was delighted to come along and offer some expertise to the boys here.

“It was a general session on passing and kicking, plus the technical side of it and passing off the ground. It reiterated a lot of the good work done by Billy McGinty and Gary Meechan at the club.

“We looked at specific drills they can use as part of sessions which might enhance their development in their areas.

“I was impressed by the players here and how keen they are to develop and get better. The ethos at the club and the way the coaching staff want them to play is fantastic.

“They guys reacted really well and the feedback was positive. It was an interactive session and they took on my ideas and they expressed some of their own. Even the younger boys had an input along with Matt Powell, who is one of the more experienced campaigners.”

Ruddock added: “It was great to see Rob at Sixways delivering a master class session. Rob was a fantastic rugby player at the highest level and he produced the goods with Wales and the Lions.

“He has always been a real gentleman and displayed the right values of a professional rugby player.

“It was a great boost to have someone of his quality working at the club and I’m hoping it’s not going to end with a one-off session and he will be able to visit again and do some video analysis and one-to-one coaching with some of the players to help them go to the next level.”