The story so far: History beckons for Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones

30th October 2020 Dylan James Rugby, Student Work 0
Pic by Richard Early

by Dylan James

PATAGONIA. 2006. Alun Wyn Jones makes his first appearance for Wales. 14 years and 148 test caps later, the boy from Bonymaen is about to make history.

When Jones first pulled on that Wales jersey in front of 5,000 roaring fans in Argentina, he would never have expected to break the world record for international test caps, let alone do it in an empty stadium in Llanelli.

Last week against France, Jones equalled the world record for test caps, previously held by none other than All Blacks legend Richie McCaw. This weekend, he comes up against Scotland in the final Six Nations game of the campaign, which has taken seven months to complete due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Wales are fifth in the competition, without a great deal to play for, but there will be more on Jones’ mind than not losing the game.

The fixture will make it 140 not out for Alun Wyn Jones in the Welsh jersey, having already secured nine caps for the coveted British and Irish Lions. He will be approaching 36 years of age when the Lions go on tour next year, but there will be no doubt in the minds of the Welsh fans that he will be on the plane to South Africa, with longevity and consistency never appearing to be an issue for the veteran.

However, this isn’t the first time he has etched his name into the history books. Last year the Wales captain became the 13th player to win a hat-trick of Grand Slam victories, amongst greats like J P R Williams and Gareth Edwards.

Hailing from Mumbles, Jones made the switch to the other side of Swansea, where he began his rugby journey with Bonymaen RFC.

Speaking to the BBC, Jones’ youth coach, Bonymaen’s Kevin Brooks said, “What an asset he was, when he walked into the changing room he cast a shadow on the floor”.

Despite having led his country 24 times, Brooks explained, “He was phenomenal and led from the front. I don’t think he was ever captain of any junior teams, but he was always there to listen and give advice. It was a great time”.

Jones went on to study at Llandovery College, before playing for Swansea RFC. It wasn’t long before Ospreys snatched Jones up in 2005, a team which he went on to make 238 appearances for.

 

Richard Thomas, lecturer and former sports journalist insists Jones was always “destined for greater days”.

“First saw him play at the start of his semi-pro/pro career. He was playing for Swansea RFC c. 2004 and it was obvious then he was destined for greater days. Although no one probably envisaged the full extent of the long and successful career he has had.

“At 35 he still seems he has much in the tank as he had in 2004 but whether he makes the Lions tour in ’21 is up for debate. I’m sure he will have a role even though the captaincy will almost certainly go elsewhere. But I’m always wrong so Gatland could yet pull a rabbit out of a hat, unless he decides to retire after tomorrow.” 

Wales kick off against Scotland on Saturday at 2:15pm.

 

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