Walking around the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd this summer, Wyn Jones found himself in a rather unusual position. Three years on from taking on the world champion Springboks for the British and Irish Lions, the loosehead prop was strolling around the livestock and trade stands just outside of Builth Wells without a club - having left the Scarlets at the end of last season. “I was up there jobless," he says.
"It was probably quite refreshing for me to have an extended break, it’s probably done me good. "But then you soon realise that week how much I missed it. I knew I wanted to play.
I feel really good at the moment. I’ve got no niggles and I want to play.” He'll now get that chance, having signed for Gallagher Premiership outfit Harlequins as injury cover.
In fact, the move even came about before the agricultural show in mid Wales had even packed up - with the speed of being picked up taking the 48-cap prop a little by surprise. "I think I actually signed on the Thursday," he adds. “It was all quite last minute to be honest.
"It all happened pretty sharp and quick. But I’ve had a great welcome here. It’s a great club and I’m happy to be here.
SIGN UP: Get the new exclusive Inside Welsh rugby newsletter here for full insight into what's really going on behind the scenes. “It always had to be the right place for me. I spoke to my agent and some options were a no-no.
It had to be in the right place and as soon as I heard about Harlequins, it was a definite .