In a significant development, former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is poised to conclude his tenure with Toulon this weekend, marking the culmination of his stint with the French club.
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Originally enlisted by the Top 14 side as a World Cup replacement, Jones was initially expected to remain with Toulon until the conclusion of the season.
However, recent reports from France suggest that his departure is primarily attributed to the impending arrival of Melvyn Jaminet from Toulouse, coupled with associated financial considerations that prompt the club to part ways with Jones in the imminent future.
The club formally confirmed on Thursday that the upcoming clash against Clermont this Saturday will serve as the 38-year-old’s final appearance donning the red and black jersey, as the squad for the away fixture was unveiled.
Alongside Jones, Australian fly-half Noah Lolesio, also recruited as a World Cup ‘joker,’ will bid farewell following the conclusion of the match.
Jones, who announced his retirement from Test rugby in May, had expressed his desire to participate in two concluding games for the French side.
Following his role as captain for the Barbarians against Wales in Cardiff earlier this month, he conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to join Toulon, reflecting on the serendipitous circumstances that led him to the club.
“I’m hugely grateful that I was able to go to Toulon,” said Jones.
“It’s funny how things work out, I probably wouldn’t have been here if I hadn’t done that. Probably a few glasses of red and a lie in the sun. There is two games, so I might play. We’ll see how it goes.
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NEW BUSINESS:
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 😍”
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Nigel Owen’s law changes for 2024:
#1. Less TMO
Owens wrote: “We should aim for good performances that facilitate good games. In my opinion, perfect has become the enemy of the good because people are striving for a standard that is unachievable. A frustrating over-reliance on the TMO is one result of this fear of getting things wrong.
“Pressure is being exerted on referees by spectators, social media users, coaches, players, performance reviewers and referee managers. That is a lot of people scrutinising everything. I think we need to take a step back and make sure we pick up the things that matter.”
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