The Welsh front row has been tipped for greatness by England and British Lions star Phil Vickery. He tells WRU TV’s Graeme Gillespie why.

The former England skipper, who has recently been forced to retire due to injury, believes that by the time next year’s RBS 6 Nations tournament arrives, the Welsh trio of Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Rees will be firmly established as the premier front row in world rugby.

“I said this last year and I know Adam came out with some comments in the press saying he thought that I was joking and having a laugh, but on their day when functioning properly, and I know they have had their injury problems, I think that if they can get their timing right they will go into the tournament as the best front row in the world.

“The unit has just got everything. They have a good workrate, the set piece is simple and they are good people who work hard. I think when they are all together they are just a fantastic unit and I think Wales, built around those guys are going to do really really well.”

Vickey, who has worked under Warren Gatland at club level with London Wasps and international level with the British Lions, also paid tribute to the Wales coach.

“I’ve always liked the guy,” he said. “Playing against Gats’s teams, I’ve always enjoyed the simplicity and the respect people seem to have for him. Having been involved and coached by him, there is no magic formular – it’s just the honesty. He tells you like it is and he likes to be told how it is as well.

“I think he has done a fantastic job with Wales and I really fancy Wales to do something next year. When you look at the squad, look at the coaching and the players he is bringing through, I think it’s going to be a very exciting time for Welsh rugby.”