BIRMINGHAM 2022 is Lee Jones’ fourth Commonwealth Games appearance, and his longevity has only strengthened his desire to get his hands on some silverware.
Jones made his Commonwealth Games debut back in 2010 and having been part of the Scotland 7s side that recorded a best result of sixth place in both 2010 and 2018, Jones is desperate to creep up the rankings just a few places and grab a place on the podium this time around.
It will not be easy; Scotland, captained by Jamie Farndale, face Tonga today, with their group also including South Africa and Malaysia.
However, a recent win against the South Africans, who are the top-ranked team in the World 7s Series, at the recent World Series tournament in Toulouse suggests Jones’ optimism is not misplaced.
“We’ve had a big focus on these Games throughout our entire season and our target is to medal,” the 34-year-old says.
“It’s 14 minutes and we need to execute what we’re trying to do. And I feel like if we do that, we can really challenge the top teams.
“Confidence is a massive thing so a couple of results we’ve had this season in both beating a top team like South Africa and also pushing some of the other top teams close, it helps the belief massively. It means we know what we need to do - the hard bit is doing it but we know we’re capable.”
Sevens has long been part of Jones’ career but having concentrated on the 15s game in recent seasons, he had not been part of the sevens set-up since the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
However, having left Glasgow Warriors at the end of last season, he returned to the sevens squad this year and his performances ensured selection for a fourth Games.
Back in 2010, the suggestion he would have clocked up four Commonwealth Games would have sounded, he admits, somewhat ludicrous but his return has been overwhelmingly successful from both the team’s perspective, and his own.
“It’s pretty crazy to be at my fourth Games, I’d never have believed this in 2010,” he says.
“Sevens is a hard game but I have a real affinity with it and it’s been great to be back.
“I feel fit and like I can really contribute to the side.
“There’s quite a few experienced guys in the side and I feel like we’ve got a good split of youth and experience and so I think it’s a good blend. And it’ll feel essentially like a home Games in Birmingham and I think that’ll really help.”
