Biography
Born in Swansea on 19 September 1985, Alun Wyn Jones stands tall—literally and figuratively—as one of the most iconic figures in modern rugby. At 1.96 meters and 118 kilograms, the former Wales and British & Irish Lions lock became synonymous with leadership, resilience, and pride in the red jersey.
Jones originally played as a blindside flanker but truly made his name in the engine room of the scrum. A Swansea University law graduate (Class of 2010), he balanced intellect with immense physicality throughout a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Teams Played For
- Swansea RFC (2004–2006)
- Ospreys (2005–2023)
- RC Toulon (2023)
- Wales National Team (2006–2023)
- British & Irish Lions (Tours in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021)
Rugby World Cups Played
- 2007 – France: Scored tries against Canada and Japan.
- 2011 – New Zealand: Key player as Wales finished fourth.
- 2015 – England: Quarter-finalist.
- 2019 – Japan: Another fourth-place finish for Wales.
Key Career Moments
Jones burst onto the scene with Swansea RFC, earning the Young Player of the Season award in 2005–06. His international debut came against Argentina in Puerto Madryn in June 2006, quickly establishing him as a mainstay in the Welsh pack.
He starred in Wales’ 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam, overcoming injury to help seal glory against France. His leadership qualities shone early—by 2009 he was captaining Wales and earning selection for the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, scoring a try on debut against the Royal XV.
Despite occasional setbacks—like his infamous 2010 yellow card versus England—Jones rebounded time and again. He helped Wales to another Grand Slam in 2012, and his influence only grew. In 2019, he captained Wales to yet another Six Nations Grand Slam and was named Player of the Championship.
He represented the Lions on four historic tours, captaining the side in 2021 after a remarkable recovery from injury. His professionalism and passion made him one of rugby’s most respected figures worldwide.
After nearly 160 caps (a Welsh record), Jones stepped away from international rugby in 2023, closing an era of grit, glory, and unshakable pride.