Ospreys hail ‘one-off’ AWJ
The Ospreys have paid tribute to Alun Wyn Jones as he prepares for his 233rd appearance for his home region, that will take him clear at the top of the all-time list.
The big second row has firmly established himself as one of the all-time greats of the world game, and his commitment to the Ospreys shines as bright as ever with the former Bonymaen and Swansea player coming straight back into regional action after a busy November on the international scene.
Featuring three times for Wales during the autumn series, last weekend he played his 120th game for his country in the win against Australia. This weekend, he will feature for the Ospreys against Zebre in the Guinness PRO14 at the Liberty Stadium on Friday night.
On the eve of his record breaking appearance, Jones has been hailed as a “one-off” and a “true Ospreys legend”, by Managing Director, Andrew Millward, who packed down alongside Alun Wyn on 17 occasions, including his debut against Leinster at the Liberty in September 2005.
“What is there to say about Alun Wyn Jones, that hasn’t already been said?” said Millward.
“He is a wonderful ambassador for his home region, and for Wales, a true one-off. After 232 games for the Ospreys and 129 international appearances, he is arguably playing better than ever. He is a one-off in that respect.
“When he first came through the Academy ranks it was clear that he was destined for great things and his list of achievements, for the Ospreys, Wales and the Lions, is as impressive as it is long.
“His determination, loyalty and sheer will-to-win are trademarks that have served him well throughout his career and continue to. His modesty is another trademark and he will hate being centre of attention but it is only right that we pay tribute to him as he sets a new appearance record.
“He is a true Ospreys legend and I’m sure supporters will join me in saluting him on Friday night.”
Alun Wyn Jones – Record Breaker
Alun Wyn’s 233rd appearance comes just over 15 years after his debut and less than a week after his 120th Wales cap.
A legend of the world game, he has been a mainstay of both the Ospreys and Wales packs for over a decade since becoming one of the first youngsters to come through the regional development pathway.
Having featured in the first game at the Liberty Stadium, a pre-season fixture against Wasps at the end of August 2005, his senior Ospreys debut came the following weekend as a second half replacement in the Region’s first competitive game at their new home, a Magners League win against Leinster.
Since then he has so far managed to clock up an impressive 232 Ospreys appearances to date, level with Paul James, and is one of only five players to have worn the shirt more than 200 times. His tally of 25 tries is the second highest by a forward.
He was appointed captain of his home region in August 2010 and led the team on 115 occasions, more than double any other player, prior to standing down from the role this summer.
Having represented Wales at age-grade level, the former Bonymaen RFC and Swansea RFC youngster made his full international debut on the 2006 tour of Argentina.
In total, he has 120 Wales caps and was part of three Six Nations winning sides including the Grand Slams of 2008 and 2012. He captained Wales for the first time in 2009, against Italy, taking the armband three more times in 2014, before being formally appointed national skipper in 2017.
Selected for three British & Irish Lions tours, to South Africa (2009), Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017), he played in all nine tests and captained the team in the decisive series winning third test in Australia.
Only seven players have represented the Lions on more occasions, while his international total of 129 appearances (Wales and Lions) puts him eighth in the all-time world list.
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