"To captain the British Lions is the top job," said Jones, who will again take on leadership responsibilities with his provincial side after lifting the EDF Energy Cup at Twickenham last season.

"That would be the ultimate honour, there's no going away from that."

After missing out on selection for the original Lions squad three years ago and, more recently, being ruled out of the 2007 World Cup due to injury, Jones certainly won't be taking anything for granted despite his success at domestic and international level.

"I had my heart set on the World Cup last year and didn't get to do it so, over the last couple of years, I've learnt just to focus on the here and now.

"It's a real cliché and everyone will say it but I've had things taken away and I don't think I could emotionally deal with that happening again. I'm just going to focus on making sure I'm fit and in one piece, and if I'm playing well enough, then I'll hopefully go (on the Lions tour). We'll see."



Jones was a star performer for the Lions in New Zealand in 2005

As for his role with the Ospreys, Jones was delighted to be given the responsibility of leading one of Europe's most-fancied teams into what he hopes will be the most exciting season in their short history.

"There were a lot of contenders again this year, which is good for me. I've been lucky enough to be given the role. It's something that's very close to my heart and something I treasure.

"To be a captain is an ultimate honour. What's great about it now, is that there are other people to share the responsibility. It doesn't all fall on one person's doorstep and that helps day-to-day. That certainly helps during game time.

"I don't profess to know everything about everything or be the complete player. There's boys there who can have an input and that's what will allow us to go to the next level."



The No8 skippered Wales to the Triple Crown and Grand Slam last year

For Jones, continuing to gain captaincy experience is vital. The former Celtic Warrior believes that time in the captain's armband will help him to keep on improving, something which can only be a good thing for the Ospreys, Wales and, quite possibly, the Lions.

"I said last year that I don't profess to be the perfect captain. I think it's a role you grow into over time. I think experience is key to it.

"It's making those decisions under pressure time and time again. It's making the right decision under pressure, it's learning to dictate, it's learning to listen, it's learning to be receptive - you have to facilitate others.

"You can't pick up a book and read (about captaincy). It's something I've always said I'm going to try and grow into and do my own way.

"So far, it's been pretty good and, hopefully, if I can be successful with the Ospreys and develop and learn, it will allow me to continue my role with the national team."