19 November 2023 , 15:49
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Legendary Welsh rugby star Alun Wyn Jones has confirmed his retirement after a career spanning the best part of two decades.
The 38-year-old started his professional career as a teenager, and bows out as Wales' most capped player in the country's rugby union history. He called time on his international career before the 2023 World Cup, but has now called it quits for good.
Announcing his decision in a post on social media, Jones confirmed Toulon's match against ASM Clermont Auvergne was his last as a professional. The French team, who he joined on a short-term deal after spending the bulk of his career with Ospreys, gave him a winning send-off.
"As a boy I dreamed of playing the game I love professionally, I lived that dream and today was my last game," the veteran wrote. "ASM 27 v RCT 30. Thank you. Merci. Diolch. Ps Dad you were here for it all!!!"
Jones' father, Tim, died in 2016 after a long illness. Tim was a constant presence in the first half of his son's career, and the Wales star's comments upon retiring speak to that fact.
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Jones' club, Toulon, were among the first to pay tribute. They responded to his post with the simple comment "King Jones," while others shared tributes of their own.
Share your memories of Alun Wyn Jones' career in the comments section
Alun Wyn Jones bows out as Wales' most-capped player (PA)"One of the most dominating captains welsh rugby has ever seen!" read one comment. "You’ll be missed AWJ."
"Absolute legend, massive congratulations on an incredible career," was the verdict from a second fan. "Time for a congratulatory cold beer to celebrate an amazing career," wrote a third.
"You are truly like someone from a bygone age, totally woven into Welsh history. Thank you for everything," a fourth fan wrote. Alongside Jones' announcement, he shared his jersey, with a number five on the back, and a literal hanging up of his boots.
Jones left the field to a standing ovation in his farewell match, with team-mates embracing him as he left the field for the final time as a pro. Toulon left it late to clinch victory, though, needing a late converted try from Jiuta Wainiqolo to pip their rivals.
The retirement announcement draws a line under a career which saw Jones represent Wales some 158 times, a number of those as captain. He scored tries on the biggest stage, including at two separate World Cups, and bows out as a five-time Six Nations champion.
On the same day he bid farewell to the game, he shared a photo of the Toulon squad. "Ma famille toulonnaise!!!" the caption read.