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Jones: Colwyn Bay series a great success

Jones: Colwyn Bay series a great success

Former Wales flanker and Russia coach Kingsley Jones believes the IRB International Rugby Series in Colwyn Bay has been great for the game in north Wales.

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The rugby series has seen Russia, Tonga, Samoa, Canada and the USA compete, giving locals the chance to watch international rugby in the area.

Both weekends of the series so far have been well attended with the people of north Wales showing their support by packing out Eirias.

More than 2,500 people watched Saturday night’s games between Russia and Canada and Tonga and the USA. The two IRB internationals were preceded by a 40-5 win for RGC 1404 over Penallta.

“The crowd were great and the people of north Wales have warmed to everyone involved in the tournament,” said Jones.

“They’ve got an opportunity to experience international rugby on their doorstep and I just think it’s a win win for everybody.

“The facilities are as good as anywhere so we’re really happy to have been here.”

As well as giving north Walians the chance to watch international rugby, the tournament has been essential for the development of tier two nations such as Russia.

Jones saw his team slip to a 35-3 against Canada but he believes the opportunity to play two games in north Wales has been invaluable.

“The importance of this tournament is everything. If I didn’t get this opportunity to work with the team now I wouldn’t see them till the end of June,” said Jones.

“That’s a long time if you’re working at this level so it’s absolutely imperative for the tier two teams.

“I wish we had another game to be honest as the players are improving each week.”

Saturday night’s defeat to Canada followed a 40-26 loss to the USA last week but Jones argues the chance for tier two international teams to compete against each other is vital.

“It’s a work in progress and I wish I could get my hands on the players a bit more so we can spend some more time together,”  added the former Wales flanker.

“Our set pieces are improving all the time, the line out wasn’t perfect but there was definitely an improvement in our defence from the USA game.”

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