Alun-Wyn Jones: Could play a part in Six Nations

Alun-Wyn Jones remains on course to potentially play a part in Wales' RBS 6 Nations campaign this season.

The Ospreys lock, who has won 67 caps, underwent shoulder surgery after being injured during Wales' autumn Test series opener against Argentina in Cardiff almost two months ago.

Jones remains on course for a return to action late next month or early March, suggesting the final two Six Nations appointments with Scotland and England could feature on the radar.

Wales interim head coach Rob Howley will go into the Six Nations without Jones and Perpignan lock Luke Charteris, who suffered a knee injury playing for his club just before Christmas.

Bradley Davies and Ian Evans look likely to be the starting second-row combination against Ireland on February 2, although Evans has been troubled by an injury in recent weeks.

"Rehab is going well," Jones said.

"I am on track, so I've just got to put the hard work in now.

"I am in good hands with the Ospreys medical and conditioning teams and I know that they will look after me.

"I am itching to get back involved, but when exactly that will be is down to how the next few weeks go."

Jones will be on the sidelines this weekend when the Ospreys face a crunch Heineken Cup pool clash against Leicester at the Liberty Stadium.

The winners will have every chance of progressing, but the losers would be faced with every possibility of making a group stage exit.

"We seem to have played against each other a lot in our short history - this is the fourth time we've been in the same European pool," Jones added.

"The games always turn out to be pretty memorable, and I don't see this one being any different.

"Sunday will be a massive day for the region. It's do or die for us in Europe this weekend, the stakes are that big for us.

"What you can guarantee is that it's going to be tense, edgy and physical, and we will have to match them across the field."