Alun Wyn Jones, the legendary former captain of Wales and the British & Irish Lions, has officially declared his retirement from international rugby, bringing an end to a truly remarkable Test career that will forever be etched in the annals of the sport.
In a statement made earlier this month, the 37-year-old Jones expressed his decision to step away from the international stage, having amassed an incredible 170 caps throughout his illustrious career.
Jones, who made his debut for Wales in a match against Argentina back in 2006, will undoubtedly be remembered as the greatest player to don the Welsh jersey in the professional era.
His contributions include participation in four World Cups, securing five Six Nations titles, and achieving three grand slams. Notably, his endurance and consistency for Wales were truly extraordinary, highlighted by an astounding streak of 23 consecutive starts against their arch-rivals, England.
Equally revered for his performances with the British & Irish Lions, Jones was a pivotal figure in their campaigns. He proudly represented the Lions on four tours, making 12 Test appearances and 10 starts, with his first and final matches taking place against South Africa.
In a testament to his resilience, two years ago he suffered a dislocated shoulder in a warm-up game against Japan, only to make a remarkable recovery and lead the Lions as captain in all three Tests against the Springboks. Although the series ultimately ended in defeat, Jones had the distinct honor of leading the Lions to victory in the decisive match of the 2013 series against Australia.
“Having been selected in this year’s preliminary Rugby World Cup squad and after ongoing dialogue with the coaching staff and the WRU, I have decided to step away from the international game,” Jones wrote on social media. “So, after 17 years, I look back on special memories with Welsh greats and future Welsh greats. My grandfather and father both nurtured my passion for rugby in my younger days which has continued throughout.
“The opportunity to be professional in the sport I love was a dream come true and to represent my home region, the Ospreys, and clubs within the region, namely Mumbles and particularly Bonymaen who guided me in my favourite years, was beyond special and something for which I am hugely grateful. A huge thank you to the staff and players who have been part of my journey, I wish you all well for the future.
“To the supporters, thank you for the support and making the most special occasions even more memorable. To the people closest to me, my family, I couldn’t have done it without you. Through injury, loss and success, you’ve always been there and will be for whatever’s next. Despite all I have accomplished, my children will always be my biggest achievement.”
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ALUN WYN JONES: TOUGHEST OPPONENT
#1. Paul O’Connell
- Born October 20, 1979, Limerick
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Munster, Ireland
- Caps 115
- Position Lock
The Irish second row was certainly blessed with special rugby powers having been one of the world’s leading tight forwards for more than a decade. A three-times Lions who captained the tour of South Africa in 2009.
Alun Wyn Jones said: “We got to know each other very well as team-mates with the Lions and opponents for our clubs and countries. You cannot shy away from how effective the guy was in his position.”
Did you know? O’Connell initially excelled at swimming and only started playing rugby at the age of 16
Source: The Rugby Paper
