RETIREMENT still hasn’t sunk in for Steve Jones – but the Newport Gwent Dragons icon has been backed to shine if he decides to turn his hand to coaching.

The 36-year-old was forced to hang up his boots in April because of a hip injury.

Jones was the last remaining player that had featured in every Dragons season since their inception and holds the region’s record for appearances with 180.

That experience has been invaluable for the next generation according to hooker Hugh Gustafson.

“Jabba is such a wise player and has helped me, Sam Parry and Elliot Dee so much,” he said.

“Even when he was injured he was doing extra sessions with is and passing on tricks of the trade.

“Jabba is a great bloke and has been a great servant to the region and I am sure he will be a massive success if he stays in the game.

“His man management and the way that he speaks to people is superb so he will be great in whatever set-up he goes into.”

Jones admits that the prospect of donning the tracksuit and calling the shots is a tempting one, although first he needs to come to terms with no longer being a player.

“It’s still not sunk in because for some reason I had it in my head that I would play professionally until I was 37 or 38,” he said.

“In France front row players seem to go on forever and I thought that I would be the same.

“I just love playing rugby and saw myself playing at 45 in Division Whatever down the leagues for some club’s seconds.

“But it wasn’t to be and even though I haven’t planned anything I want to stay in the game.

“I am very interested in the analysis side of things and would like to combine that with coaching, I don’t just want to be a computer nerd!”

Before that Jones will have a summer of reminiscing as part of his testimonial year.

The big event is a Rodney Parade dinner on Friday, July 12 when he will look back at his five-cap international career, including when Wales were edged out 26-25 by the All Blacks in 2004. “My second cap was a real highlight,” he said.

“The first was obviously special but it was out in Japan whereas the second was at the Millennium Stadium against South Africa.

“Then to come on against New Zealand a fortnight later was incredible. Facing the haka, I was standing there smiling because it was just like watching it on TV only closer! It was awesome.

“It’s going to be great to have a few events to keep me busy over the summer and it will be nice to catch up with teammates I’ve not seen for a while.”

l For information about Jones’ testimonial events go to jabbastestimonial2013.co.uk Tickets for the Rodney Parade dinner cost £450 for a table of 10 and there are a limited number of individual places available. Contact Brian Hall on 08454 238945 or email brian@tight5events.co.uk