Wales rugby icon Alun Wyn Jones has called time on his illustrious professional career following a brief stint with Toulon, the three-time European champions.
The 38-year-old, a legend in the world of rugby and the record cap-holder in international rugby, made the decision to retire after completing his short-term contract with the French club.
In a surprising revelation, Jones disclosed that he underwent surgery for a heart condition just four weeks ago.
The formidable lock, who played a remarkable 158 times for Wales and had 12 appearances with the British and Irish Lions, shared that he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation during a comprehensive medical examination upon joining Toulon in July. Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition characterized by an irregular and often fast heart rate.
Despite his retirement from rugby, Jones has swiftly transitioned into a new role, one that starkly contrasts with his previous profession. The 38-year-old is already engaged in a completely different occupation, showcasing his versatility beyond the rugby field.
Jones’ off-the-field move into the drinks industry has seen him create a coffee-infused rum named Mimosa.
The brand celebrates the pioneering spirit of the Welsh people who embarked on a life-changing voyage to Patagonia in Argentina in the 19th century.
That voyage began in 1865 when a ship named the Mimosa set sail from Liverpool with 153 passengers on board who dreamed of establishing Welsh-speaking communities in Patagonia.
George North give it a tremendous review, saying: “It tastes 😍”
Alun Wyn Jones facts:
- He is the first player in the professional era to have played in nine consecutive Tests for the Lions having been involved in all three series
- Alun Wyn Jones has a law degree from Swansea University and he graduated in 2010
- nothing. Second rows wearing white rugby boots was quite unusual. That’s how he got the nickname Alun Gwyn Boots
- His father, Tim Jones, was a respected solicitor who also played rugby for Swansea, and his funeral in 2016 drew hundreds from the legal and rugby worlds. One of life’s true characters.
- Wife of the Lions captain and mum to their two daughters Mali and Efa, Anwen, who is a doctor of physiology, is a Welsh-speaking physiology lecturer at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University.
7 rugby players now making it big in business after smart investments
Here’s some of the most prominent rugby players to have made waves in business.
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Stuart Hogg
After confirming his retirement, Hogg said in a statement: “A new career beckons and I will attack in the same manner as I play the game.”
The Scotland legend has revealed he isn’t too keen on coaching, but will remain in the game as a pundit after making his debut on BBC during the 2023 Six Nations.
PUNDITRY:
Sources tell RUCK that BT Sport (soon to be TNT Sports) are keen. to recruit the fullback as a key part of their 2023/24 Premiership coverage.
RESTAURANT OWNER:
He is the co-owner of steak house Finsbay Flatiron in Glasgow.
The focus for Finsbay Flatiron is steak, specialising in 8oz flat irons (as the name suggests) and steaks from £8 on weekdays and £10 on weekends, as well as sides like mac and cheese and triple cooked chips.
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DISTILLERY:
He’s a director of a distillery named Maiden Batch.
Caulker’s is a collaborative effort between five Glasgow men, two of whom happen to be British Lions and Scotland rugby internationals, Hogg and Alastair Kellock. The bottle is signed by all five.
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Jack Nowell
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall.
Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere.
He is also a director of MUSTARD Clothing.
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