Jones was stretchered off 25 minutes into the victory over Italy with a fractured lower fibula in his right leg.
The injury means he will return home on Wednesday with his Neath-Swansea Ospreys clubmate Paul James flying out to join the rest of the Wales squad.
But Hansen admitted it was a “tragedy” for both Jones, nicknamed “Polar Bear” because of his blond mop of hair, and the team.
“The Polar Bear has been a god team member with his attitude and
performances so far,” said the Wales coach.
“He has been dominant around the park as well as a strong scrummager so it’s a major blow to lose him.
“But I have told him that people grow out of adversity and I’m sure he will because he has the right attitude.
“I remember when he first came into the side when I first took the job and I didn’t think he was physically strong enough then.
“But to his credit he went away, worked hard, and now he’s probably one of the strongest people in the team and he deserved his place in the team.”
Meanwhile Jones was philosophical about the injury that had robbed him of any further involvement in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s just one of those things that happen, it was a complete accident, he said.
“I was pleased with how things were going but obviously I’m devastated to be out.”
Asked about his young clubmate James, Jones replied: “This is a great opportunity for him. He’s a young player and he’s going to gain great experience from this. I’ll probably be able to wish him all the best as we pass each other in mid-air.”
