Wales coach Wayne Pivac has refused to rule out another Lazarus-style comeback from injury for Alun Wyn Jones.
Test rugby's most-capped player stunned everyone last year when he shook off a dislocated shoulder to take part in the British and Irish Lions' Test series against South Africa.
However, another shoulder injury against New Zealand in the autumn has kept him on the sidelines once again, with Dan Biggar stepping into the leadership role after Jones was ruled out of Wales' Six Nations title defence.
However, at the Six Nations launch on Wednesday, Pivac refused to rule out lightning striking twice - adding that Jones was "working incredibly hard" behind the scenes to get himself back in contention for both Wales and the Ospreys.
“Never say never!" Pivac said, when asked about the chance of another Lazarus-style comeback from the Wales skipper.
"It's Alun Wyn Jones.
"I probably wouldn’t enter the conversation if it was anyone else, but the guy has broken so many records.
"I honestly say that, I would never say never. But, look, it'll be a long shot. Let's just say that.
"Al is working incredibly hard behind the scenes, as you know he would, to get himself in the best shape possible for either the Ospreys or Wales."
Jones' stand-in, fly-half Biggar, shared those sentiments when asked earlier in the day whether any potential comeback from Jones should be ruled out.
"I wouldn't put my mortgage on it," the Northampton playmaker said.
"I don't think any of us expected him to turn up in South Africa in the summer, and he managed to get on the plane.
"If there is anybody who has got a chance of being fit for some part of this tournament, then Al is probably the man. I wouldn't rule it out just yet."
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