5 things about the remarkable career of Alun Wyn Jones

Wales captain has enjoyed an outstanding international career.

Alun Wyn Jones will set a new world record of 149 Test match appearances in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations game against Scotland.

Here, the PA news agency reflects on a memorable career in the red shirts of Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

Where it all started

Rugby Union – Wales Training – Welsh Institute of Sport – Sophia Gardens — Former Wales coach Gareth Jenkins (David Davies/PA)

Wonderful Wales career

Jones has enjoyed a stellar spell in Wales colours, making 139 appearances for his country that included setting a new national cap record when he overtook former prop Gethin Jenkins during last year’s World Cup. He has been part of four Six Nations title-winning campaigns and three Grand Slams, played in four World Cup tournaments and helped Wales reach two World Cup semi-finals. He was Six Nations player of the tournament last year, and only Sam Warburton has captained Wales more times than Jones. Above all, though, his unrelenting quality of performance make him arguably Wales’ greatest player.

Jones’ World Cup story

Prince of Wales in Japan — Alun Wyn Jones with the Prince of Wales at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan (David Davies/PA)

Jones has roared with the British and Irish Lions

Rugby Union – 2013 British and Irish Lions Tour – Third Test – Australia v British and Irish Lions – ANZ Stadium — Alun Wyn Jones holds aloft the 2013 Australia Test series trophy following victory in Sydney (David Davies/PA)

Where will it all finish?

Given Jones’ fitness levels and his relative lack of injuries, it would be no surprise to see him being part of the 2021 Lions tour and maybe continuing his Wales odyssey beyond that. Jones will be 38 when the 2023 World Cup takes centre-stage in France, yet given careful continued game-load management by his regional team the Ospreys, a fifth appearance on rugby union’s global stage cannot be discounted. Jones’ drive and desire is unquestioned, and there appears no sign of him slowing down yet. Jones, and only Jones, will know when the time is right to call time on a truly spectacular career.