Ryan Jones wants to add a World Cup to his list of achievements © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Alun Wyn Jones | Ryan Jones

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup | Magners League

Teams: Ospreys | Wales

Wales captain Ryan Jones has a burning desire to play at next year's Rugby World Cup, having missed out on the 2007 tournament with injury.

The Ospreys No.8, who has yet to play for his region this season due to injury, has won two Grand Slams as well as Test recognition for the British & Irish Lions and wants to cap a fine career by leading his country in New Zealand next September.

His rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained against the All Blacks in June is on track and Jones is targeting a return in time for the Ospreys' opening Heineken Cup matches next month.

"I had my heart set on the last one and I was on the verge of going," he told The Western Mail. "I had that taken away from me and it was a difficult year for me. From a personal point of view, it is something I dearly want to do. I want to represent Wales in a World Cup, I want to enjoy it and the spectacle of it all.

"I want to be exposed to that and it will be something to tick off my rugby list and be on my rugby CV. If I don't go, I will finish and look back on my rugby career pretty dissatisfied.

"I am back running and need another week or so on my feet. I am training and will be available for selection soon and I would like to have figured quite heavily by the end of September. I have to do that to give myself a chance to play European Cup rugby. I don't want to rush back and have a relapse because we are on the verge of what is potential a 16-month season."

Jones will not captain the Ospreys this season, with the armband going to his Wales colleague Alun-Wyn Jones. Ospreys coach Scott Johnson has stated his belief that skippering both club and country in a World Cup year would be too much responsibilty for one player. Admitting the pressure of the job, Jones has backed his namesake to lead the Magners League champions to success.

"I think Alun-Wyn will do a fantastic job," he said. "Living in the country we do, it can be difficult, as much away from the field as on it. On the field, it is business as usual and you make decisions as they come. There is pressure and a huge workload and there is a lot that goes with the job.

"Captaincy in this day and age is not just about turning up on a Saturday and walking out first. There is a lot more that goes into it. The preparation, commercial stuff and being with the coaches - it can be tough. I did it for three years and I thought I did a pretty good job, but I understand the thought process behind the decision. I am not doing that role now and it allows me to concentrate on trying to ensure I retain the same role with Wales."