Alun Wyn Jones flies out to join British Army

The former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain was in Michigan to observe members of the battalion taking part in Exercise Northern Strike, one of the largest military training exercises of its kind in the United States.

Jones was appointed Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, after the appointment was personally approved by King Charles III in 2025.

His latest visit gave the 170-cap former lock a first-hand look at the work carried out by the soldiers he now represents.

Posting about the experience on social media, Jones wrote: “I recently had the opportunity to attend Exercise Northern Strike in Michigan with the @3royalwelsh to see first hand the training they undertake.

“Thanks for opportunity to see what goes into achieving an exercise of this scale from the technology, the leadership and ultimately the teamwork!

“Diolch yn fawr.”

Northern Strike 26-2 was staged at Michigan's National All-Domain Warfighting Center from August 1-15 and involved around 9,000 participants.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh were in Michigan for their annual training, working alongside American personnel and other allied forces.

The exercise allowed the Welsh soldiers to operate on a considerably larger scale than they would normally be able to during training at home.

Lt Col Mark Adams, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, explained: “[Training at Northern Strike] has enabled us to train in a way we wouldn't be able to in the UK.

“This environment offers so many assets, so many more people. It offers a level of complexity that is hard to replicate.”

The battalion typically trains with a force of around 100 troops, but Northern Strike allowed them to integrate with much larger numbers of personnel from the United States and other allied nations.

Jones' involvement comes after King Charles III approved his appointment as Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh.

The role sees the former Wales skipper act as an ambassador for Wales and the regiment, using the leadership experience accumulated during one of rugby's most decorated careers to help inspire current and future members of The Royal Welsh.

Speaking when his appointment was confirmed, Jones admitted the role carried considerable significance.

He said: “Yes, the uniform I’ll wear in this role will be very different to what I’m used to, but one I will be equally proud to wear as any jersey in my playing career and represent 3 Royal Welsh and Wales.”

Major General Chris Barry CBE, Colonel of the Regiment, was equally enthusiastic about bringing the former Lions captain into the fold.

He described Jones as a “true Welsh warrior”, adding: “We now look forward to building a long-lasting, two-way relationship between our 3rd Battalion and Alun Wyn Jones.”

Jones succeeded Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, the former head of the Army in Wales, who had held the position for more than 11 years.

Few players are better placed to bring leadership experience to the position.

Jones won 158 caps for Wales and another 12 for the British & Irish Lions, giving him 170 Test appearances across a remarkable international career.

He also became one of only four players to tour with the Lions on four occasions, representing the tourists in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2021, captaining the squad for the latter tour of South Africa.

After almost two decades wearing the red of Wales, Jones now has a very different uniform to represent.