The New Year has got off to a sad start with news today that Wales and Scarlets back row, Dafydd Jones, has been forced to retire at only 31 due to shoulder injury.

Jones was always an underrated player.  He had his share of achievements with great Heineken Cup tie wins (like the spectacular victory over Toulouse, above), two Celtic Leagues and playing in one of the great World Cup games for his country.

He certainly deserved more caps before his injury, given Ryan Jones's awful form and Andy Powell being, well, Andy Powell.