The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Huw Jones

Huw Jones‘s rugby journey is a tale of dramatic highs and lows. Arriving in Scottish rugby in 2016, he seemed like a revelation—an electric centre with a rare combination of speed, flair, and try-scoring ability that had been missing from the Scottish game for years.

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Huw Jones

Jones made an explosive debut, scoring 10 tries in his first 14 Tests between November 2016 and February 2018. His performances included four tries in two games against England and three in two matches against Australia, with additional scores against New Zealand and France. His power, creativity, and occasional invincibility on the field marked the peak of his career.

But then came the fall. Over his next 14 Tests, Jones failed to score a single try. A series of injuries and struggles with early career setbacks led to his exclusion from both Glasgow and Scotland squads. The 2019 Rugby World Cup came and went without him, and his anticipated Lions tour to South Africa never materialized.

Reflecting on his turbulent career, Jones said, “When I first joined the squad, things seemed to come together quickly. But setbacks and injuries made me appreciate my place in the team more. Achieving 50 caps felt like a distant dream at one point, especially when my career wasn’t unfolding as I had hoped. Getting back to this point required hard work, and it makes reaching this milestone even more special. It’s an incredible honor to represent my country 50 times, and I’m extremely proud.”

Jones’s revival began with a standout season at Harlequins in 2021-22. He returned to Glasgow the following year and enjoyed a resurgence, culminating in the United Rugby Championship title won in Pretoria against the Bulls. He has also recently become a father, adding to his sense of fulfillment.

Although he had opportunities to move to France, Jones chose to stay with Glasgow, valuing the squad and coaching setup that has helped him continue to improve. “The environment here suits me, and I feel there’s more to give and more to work on,” he explained. “My career is progressing well, so there’s no reason to change that.”

Head coach Gregor Townsend praised Jones’s evolution: “He’s in the best form of his career. His running lines and tackle-breaking ability remain strong, and his passing and defense have both improved significantly. He’s also a positive influence within the squad.”

Townsend added, “I felt for Huw when he missed the 2019 World Cup and had to overcome serious injuries. His comeback makes reaching this 50-cap milestone even more meaningful.”

If Jones scores against Uruguay, he will surpass Townsend’s total of 17 Test tries, which could make for a lighthearted moment between the coach and player come Saturday night.