Mark Jones: New Ospreys head coach prepares for Scarlets opener

The move to New Zealand galvanised Jones as he worked under Scott Robertson, now the All Blacks head coach.

“The sacrifice the family gave by moving to New Zealand has been huge,” said Jones.

“I learned a huge amount there. A lot of the stuff I believed in over here they were using already, so that was awesome to think your philosophy is aligned with some of the best players and teams in the world.

“There were also things that completely changed my outlook on the game.”

As well as working with Robertson, Jones has been coached by former Wales bosses Gareth Jenkins, Nigel Davies, Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Pivac.

“To single anybody out here would be a disservice; everybody has played a part for various reasons,” said Jones.

“I have taken something from everybody. I have my own style and you have to be yourself because if you try and be somebody else, the mask will slip and people will see right through you.

“I am my own person and I will do it my own way.”

So having had attack and defence roles, what sort of head coach will Jones be?

“I will be honest around my work ethic, feedback and straight down the line,” said Jones.

“That’s all you can ever ask of somebody and my performance will be built on that. You can’t promise any more in professional sport.”