Alun Wyn Jones will be right in the spotlight this evening, as the world’s most internationally capped rugby player leads the Barbarians out where it all began, as they take on Swansea RFC.
It has been reported that the legendary Welsh lock will play for both teams this evening, as he plans to swap sides at halftime and re-unite with his old club. This match marks the 150th Anniversary of Swansea RFC, with the touring Barbarians bringing a decorated squad of British Lions, Internationals players and Premiership stars.
AWJ recently ran out in the famous black and white of the Barbarians for the first time last weekend, as he led Eddie Jones’ side to lift the Killik Cup, after a thrilling 48-42 victory over the World XV. Jones took two conversion attempts in the enjoyable 14-try spectacle, but sliced both efforts at the Twickenham posts.
Alun Wyn Jones’ Ospreys contract is set to expire later this year, with this Barbarians match against Swansea presenting a fitting ‘lap of honour’ if the iconic Wales star decides to hang up his boots later down the line. After 158 Wales caps, AWJ has decided to call time on his international career, as he stepped down from the Wales squad ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Amongst the Barbarians are three British & Irish Lions, as Dan Lydiate and Billy Twelvetrees join Alun Wyn Jones’ side. There are also 15 internationally-capped players in the black and white striped squad of 24, and 20 players who play in their respective first divsions.
Barbarians Team
The Gallagher Premiership, United Rugby Championship, and Japan League One are all being represented in this star-studded match-up.
Swansea RFC play their rugby in the Welsh Premiership, and are one of the partnered clubs to the Ospreys. This historic club are 4-time Welsh Premier Division champions, and hold the accolade of beating Australia, when the reigning world-champion Wallabies toured Wales in 1992.
Swansea RFC Team
Unfortunately, this match will reportedly not be televised. Kick off is at 18:30 at St Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground.