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Question time with Chris Jones

30/ 8/2006

SHARKS' second-row Chris Jones earned a place on England's summer tour after a season in which his work ethic and talents impressed Sale fans and coaches alike.

Here the 26-year-old, who joined Sale five years ago, discusses Sharks' title-winning season, his call back into the England squad and how he fared last season.

The secret to Sharks success last season:

Consistency. We performed throughout the international periods, which was a big goal we had set for ourselves.

We also maintained those wins throughout the season, instead of having an off game here and an off game there.

To be at the top you've got to perform throughout the season and that is what we did, and that is credit to the strength of squad. We've got an even stronger squad this year, which is why we are hoping to do big things this season.

England call-up:

It's fantastic to be given a chance. I have been waiting for an opportunity to prove myself after a couple of years out in the cold.

It is nice to perform, to get out there and show what I can do.

Now it is up to the England coaches to see if I get another chance this year.

Players don't know if they've been called-up much sooner than anyone else. We are sitting at home waiting for the letter or the phone call, and keeping our fingers crossed!

Personal performance last season:

I was very happy. I spoke to Kingsley and Philippe at the end of the season, they were really pleased with the way I played.

A couple of seasons ago they said to me that they could see I had potential and that in some games I played fantastically and in other games I went off the boil.

They wanted me to perform week in week out and at the end of last season they gave me a pat on the back and said I did that. I was happy about that.