Ospreys and Wales prop Adam Jones has admitted that he had a slow start to his international career.

Jones, considered one of the best tight-heads in the world, has 75 caps for the national side and has toured with the British and Irish Lions.

"I honestly feel I have only truly contributed to the team since 2008," Jones said.

"At first I was just happy to be playing for Wales, but as well as we did in my first 50 caps, I have sort of written them off because I wish I had worked harder. I wouldn't forget the 2005 Grand Slam, but even then I was pretty poor.

"I was a bit of a lump who could hold up the scrum but didn't make much of a contribution elsewhere. I had a poor World Cup in 2007 and was falling by the wayside."

Jones said that the turning point in his international career came when Warren Gatland became head coach of Wales.

"When Warren Gatland came in I realised I needed to pull my finger out. Craig White got me in shape and that coincided with the scrum and tight-head position becoming an important part of the game again.

"The conditioning has been hard and I can still go to the rails very quickly and put weight on, but I actually enjoy training now and even do some extra."

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.