Adam Jones’ rugby career may be nearer the end than the beginning, but the Welsh prop is currently relishing the mentor role he has at Harlequins, writes Ryan Waters.

The veteran has been an important part of the playing squad during his first season at Quins but is also aiding the development of talented young front-rowers Kyle Sinckler and Will Collier.

Jones has helped the Londoners to the European Challenge Cup final, which they contest against Montpellier on Friday.

While Sinckler was recently named in Eddie Jones' England training camp preparing for a clash with Wales on May 30 and hoping to claim a spot in the the subsequent summer touring party to Australia.

Fellow Quins Mike Brown, Danny Care, Jack Clifford, Chris Robshaw, Joe Marler and Marland Yarde are also in the 26-man squad that will train at Brighton College next week.

Jones signed a new contract with Quins back in December, meaning he will spend at least one more year at the Twickenham Stoop.

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Rewarded: Adam Jones has had his ups and downs this season, but was handed with a year-long contract extension in December

And although the 35-year-old has experienced some frustration this term, he is adamant it has been one of the best years of his long career.

“My time here has been great,” said Jones, who was speaking at the launch of the second National Rugby Awards.

“Obviously I want to play, so there are times I have been a wee bit frustrated but when I signed here I knew that was the situation.

“I knew we had two good, young props in Kyle Sinckler and Will Collier, so I’ve been doing a mentor role with them.

“I’ve been lucky enough to do the scrums when I’m not playing which has kept me a bit more involved.

“It’s a great club. I had a pretty average year being out of contract with the Ospreys, being dropped and then retiring from international rugby, but I’ve landed on my feet here which is pretty cool.

“I’m lucky enough to have been playing first-class for 16 years and I’m happy with what I’ve done.

“I want to help Kyle and Will get to that next level and they are both capable of doing that as long as they knuckle down and get what they have to do. I’m enjoying working with them and they are both good boys.”

Jones may ply his trade at the very highest end of the game, but the National Rugby Awards celebrate the great work done up and down the UK at grassroots level.

Harlequins and England star Chris Robshaw is an ambassador for the Awards, which are in their second year, – and Jones claims that honouring the hard-working people at every level is a fantastic idea.

“Back home, especially at grassroots level, there are always the kitman, there’s always the dogsbody who does everything off their own back for the weekend,” he added.

“People don’t realise how important they are.

“Even stepping up to professional level, everyone has a title, but there is always that guy or woman who fulfils many roles in the team and especially in the lower leagues no-one really think about them and they can be taken for granted.”

*The National Rugby Awards honour the achievements of rugby clubs across the country, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to rugby. To enter please visit nationalrugbyawards.co.uk by Sunday June 5, 2016.