Earthy roots should help make Jones a perfect fit for the Titans

But heading to the relatively modest surroundings of Clifton Lane won’t faze Mark Jones.

It could be said that the new Titans head coach may struggle to adapt but the directors at the Lane are bullishly confident that he will slot in seamlessly and carry on Lee Blackett’s good work.

The former Wales wing – he played 47 times for his country – hails from the little rural Welsh backwater of Builth Wells and his career developed from the little acorns planted at the town’s tiny Groe ground. It’s where men call a spade a shovel and Jones will know all about rugby at the rustic end of the game.

He’ll need to. He comes to Rotherham at a difficult time for the club off the field, with the ongoing wrangle over the Cliifton Lane lease, although constructive communications in recent weeks mean that the status quo will prevail next season.

Coupled with that, he has been handed the task of steering the Titans through what will potentially be the toughest Championship yet.

They kick off with a difficult game against promoted Ealing – who will be a much tougher proposition than in their last second tier sojourn – before the toughies come thick and fast. There will be no hiding place in the division this term.

But Jones knows all about the demands of coaching and there is already a burgeoning confidence that he will pick up Blackett’s baton and run with it.

Titans director of rugby Martin Jenkinson said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have brought Mark in,” said Mr Jenkinson.

“To have secured someone of his calibre and with the CV that he has is  great news for this club and we are looking forward to working with him.

“You only have to look at what he’s achieved in his career to be excited at the prospect of him coming to Rotherham.

“He’s played for Wales, he’s played in the World Cup and as a coach he’s worked with the Scarlets  and with the Welsh national team. It’s pretty impressive.”