Jones made a strong impression on the summer tour

The national armband remains a subject of hot debate with Gareth Thomas about to return to action and Stephen Jones a favourite of coach Gareth Jenkins.

Ospreys skipper Jones, 27, impressed in Argentina this summer and would seem to be keen to retain the lead role.

"It was an honour to lead my country and something that will always be a fond memory," Jones told BBC Sport.

"But I haven't given the captaincy a lot of thought since, I'm playing in a highly competitive position and I need to be at the top of my game to have any involvement with Wales."

Jones successfully fought off the challenge for his position from Lions first-choice Gethin Jenkins last season.

The 6ft Neath man was first pick for his country in 2005/6 and - apart from last autumn's game with Fiji when he was rested - he has started every game for Wales since Jenkins played in the Grand Slam match against Ireland in March 2005.

Jones, who has won 29 caps since making his debut against Australia in 2001, took over the Ospreys captaincy from Barry Williams last season and impressed with his leadership skills.

The Wales situation is more complex. Thomas led Wales to the Grand Slam in 2005 and went on to captain the Lions in New Zealand after Brian O'Driscoll's first-Test injury.

He has the loyalty and respect of the Wales squad, but after his injury problems and the furore surrounding ex-coach Mike Ruddock's departure Gareth Jenkins may feel it is time for a new skipper.

Michael Owen's shoulder injury seems to have ruled him out of contention, but Stephen Jones is a strong contender.

The Wales and Lions fly-half worked with Jenkins at Llanelli for many years and has just returned to Stradey Park from Clermont Auvergne.

Martyn Williams and Dwayne Peel are outside contenders for the captaincy.

In the absence of all those senior players, Duncan Jones led Wales in the two-Test summer series with the Pumas.