Jones 'delirious' about return

Stephen Jones is injury free and ready to play in RWC 2007.

ST NAZAIRE, 4 September - Wales have been given a boost after star fly half Stephen Jones came through training on Tuesday and was declared fit for Sunday's opening Pool B match against Canada in Nantes.

Jones has been struggling with a groin injury, picked up two months ago in St Nazaire, but is set to add to his 62 caps when Wales open their IRB Rugby World Cup campaign against the Canucks.

"Stephen has come through a couple of training sessions now and is 100 per cent fit," said Wales assistant coach Nigel Davies (WAL). "That is great news for the squad."

However, no decision had been made as to whether he would play at the weekend.

"Our only other outstanding injury now is with lock (second row) Ian Evans (WAL),  who is hoping to be in the mix for the Australian game in Cardiff next week," said Davies.

It has been a long way back for Jones, who is playing in his third world cup.

"I have to admit there was a time when I thought I might have to miss out on the World Cup," said Jones, who missed the preparation matches against England, Argentina and France in August.

"It wasn't until I got back home and the Welsh doctors scanned the injury and gave me the results that I knew I could make it. I am deliriously happy to be back in full training and to be in France with the squad.

"It was nice to be able to come through a full session on the pitch where I picked up the injury and now it is all systems go," said Jones.

RNS rm/gnf/mp/gs