Pain-free coaching role leaves Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan with fresh focus
JAMIE Jones-Buchanan says he does not miss playing - and instead is loving life as a coach.
The Leeds Rhinos legend, 38, retired after the final-night win against Warrington Wolves in September.
He is currently in Spain with the first-team squad helping to prepare them for the 2020 season and his testimonial against Bradford Bulls on Sunday.
It is only a few months since Jones-Buchanan finished playing but he said: “I do feel like I’m retired. I’m really happy about it; I don’t miss playing, I don’t miss training. In the end it got so physically-demanding pain-wise, just the old aging process, it killed me.
“But it’s been a wonderful 20 years of my life.”
Tireless Jones-Buchanan famously has many strings to his bow including working on the Rugby AM television show, his brilliant after-dinner speaking and charity work with the Rhinos Foundation.
But he added: “I’m doing a little bit of coaching with the lads and it’s been a really good camp.
“We’re preparing for this game and Liam Farrell’s the week after and then the first game of the season against Hull is just around the corner.
“The boys are in really good form and, as much as I don’t miss playing, I’m animated and excited about my role helping the team perform on the field from a coaching point of view.
“Richard Agar’s been a great mentor.”