Image source, Getty Images
Image caption, Alun Wyn Jones will captain the Barbarians for a third time when he lines up against Wales in CardiffArticle informationAuthor, Gareth GriffithsRole, BBC Sport Wales
1 November 2023
Alun Wyn Jones hopes Wales’ quarter-final appearance at the World Cup in France will not paper over any cracks in Welsh rugby.
Following a poor year, Warren Gatland’s side managed to top their pool with four wins before being knocked out by Argentina in the last eight.
Jones will captain the Barbarians against hosts Wales Saturday.
“I’m pleased for the players’ success they had on the backdrop of a tough year for Welsh rugby,” he said.
Wales went into the World Cup following a season in which they won only once in the Six Nations with players also threatening to strike during the tournament over contractual issues.
After three months preparing under the returning Gatland, they reached the knockout stage.
But Jones, who won a record 158 caps for Wales before retiring from international rugby in May, added: “I hope it doesn’t paper over the cracks because there are deeper-rooted issues that need to be sorted.
“Not just in Wales obviously, but Wales being the focus. I hope it is stronger or we will end up in the cycle, we keep doing well every four years, but we have another drought in between.
“I hope it kicks on the right way with a young group of players I believe can achieve lots.
“It is not concerns, I just care, whether you are a coach, player or supporter, people are emotive about Wales and what they believe, because they care.
“I am a fan now. I care about Welsh sport and rugby and want to make sure it is in the best possible place it can be.”
Jones, who also played 12 Tests for the British and Irish Lions, is preparing to bring the curtain down on his career when he leads the invitational Baa-baas side against Wales.
“It is going to be emotional, it’s been a long time coming,” said the 38-year-old.
“To have the last one in the stadium is going to be special with a great group in a team that belongs to everyone.
“In any walk of life, all good things come to an end. I’ve always been safe in the knowledge I knew that was going to happen.
“When and where isn’t always on your terms, whether it’s injury, selection or whatever.
“So to be able to do it at home against Wales for the Barbarians – it’s not a Heineken Cup final or a World Cup final – but the emotive elements for me personally are pretty plain to see.”
Hopes of a fifth World Cup for Jones ended when he retired six months ago.
The reasons for that decision were never full explained as Jones joked “there’s always a story behind the story”.
He played on a short-term contract for Toulon during the tournament and, with two weeks left on his French deal, he said his career will be over.
“It is definitely [the end] in Wales,” added Jones.
“I have another two weeks in Wales with Toulon and it was a short thing for the World Cup period.
“There are no murmurings about me continuing after that, so that will be me.
“I am grateful Toulon gave me the opportunity. I know I have definitely not had the impact of some players there or achieved what they have done.
“I have never thought I would go to France and have that opportunity to do that. It’s been invaluable for me from a point to validate certain things in my career and for my family.”
Image source, Huw Evans picture agency
Image caption, Alun Wyn Jones made his Wales debut at flanker in 2006 against Argentina
So what will Jones miss the most about rugby?
“Everything, It is not just one thing in rugby. it’s everything,” he said.
“I enjoy the routine, the players and the camaraderie, the challenge of winning games.
“When you are in troughs on and off the field you learn a lot about people and yourselves.
“I enjoy and take pride in seeing guys come through the academy play for Wales and the Lions.”
Jones will play for the Barbarians for a third occasion this year after leading the side against a World XV at Twickenham and Swansea in May.
He will share this Principality Stadium stage in a Barbarians shirt with Justin Tipuric – who also announced his international retirement on the same day as Jones – and Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who will play his final game in the red jersey.
“We have played in great games together and to be able to share an occasion like this on the weekend will be special, it is going to be a great day,” added Jones.
“Pens (Halfpenny) is one of the most professional, gifted kickers the game has ever seen.
“Tips, pound-for-pound, is probably the swiss army knife rugby player. There is not much he can’t do with the ball and he is up there with Shane [Williams].”
“I am going to try and catch up with the kids because they are growing up too fast and make up for the last eight years where I have been too far away,” added Jones.
“I want to try and have a bit of a break and reassess what I am going to do. When you get on the hamster wheel it keeps spinning even when you are thinking you have a break.”
Asked whether he would like to be involved in an administration capacity to help solve some of rugby’s issues he highlighted, Jones added: “I don’t know about that and I don’t in what capacity.
“You have got to get a few more miles on the clock in certain areas to have that influence.
“It depends what was needed. There are a lot of stuff like financial things and we have just got to make sure we keep player welfare and players at the forefront. That is the main thing for me.”
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