View source for Alun Wyn Jones

{{Short description|Wales and British Lions international rugby union player}}
{{Other people|Alun Jones}}
{{distinguish|Wyn Jones (rugby union)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
|           name = Alun Wyn Jones<br /><small>{{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100%|OBE}}</small>
|          image = Alun Wyn Jones 2019.jpg
|     image_size = 220
|        caption = Jones at the Welsh Rugby Grand Slam Homecoming, March 2019
|       fullname =
|     birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|09|19|df=y}}
|    birth_place = [[Swansea]], Wales
|         height = {{convert|198|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="WRU">{{cite web|title=Alun Wyn Jones|url=https://www.wru.wales/player/alun-wyn-jones/|website=Welsh Rugby Union {{!}} Wales & Regions|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref>
|         weight = {{convert|121|kg|lb stlb|abbr=on}}<ref name="WRU"/>
|         school = [[Llandovery College]]
|     university = [[Swansea University]]
|      relatives =
|     occupation =
|         spouse =
|       position = [[Lock (rugby union)|Lock]]
|    currentclub = 
|    youthyears1 =
|    youthclubs1 =
|         years1 = 2004–2006
|         clubs1 = [[Swansea RFC|Swansea]]
|          apps1 = 35
|        points1 = 15
|         years2 = 2005–2023
|         clubs2 = [[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]]
|          apps2 = 257
|        points2 = 120
|         years3 = 2023
|         clubs3 = [[RC Toulon|Toulon]]
|          apps3 = 5
|        points3 = 0
|      repyears1 = 2005–2006
|       repteam1 = [[Wales national under-21 rugby union team|Wales U21]]
|      repcaps1 = 20
|     reppoints1 = 5
|      repyears2 = 2006–2023
|       repteam2 = [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]]
|       repcaps2 = 158
|     reppoints2 = 45
|      repyears3 = 2009–2021
|       repteam3 = [[British & Irish Lions]]
|       repcaps3 = 12
|     reppoints3 = 0
|     clubupdate =

}}

'''Alun Wyn Jones'''<ref>''Alun Wyn'' are his [[given name]]s and his [[surname]] is ''Jones''.</ref><ref name="remember"/> {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100%|OBE}} (born 19 September 1985) is a Welsh former [[rugby union]] player who played as a [[Rugby union/lock|lock]]. He played most of his career for the [[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]] and for the [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales national team]].  He is [[List of rugby union test caps leaders|the world's most-capped rugby union player]], with 158 caps for Wales and 12 for the [[British & Irish Lions]], and also holds the records for the most Wales caps<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-19 |title=Alun Wyn Jones’ international record as Wales and Lions great calls it a day |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/wales-british-and-irish-lions-grand-slam-new-zealand-six-nations-b2342379.html |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> and the second-most Wales caps as captain. He retired from rugby in 2023.

Jones was the captain of the British & Irish Lions for their [[2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|2021 tour to South Africa]], and is one of only four players to have been selected to play on four Lions tours,{{refn|group=nb|The others are [[Willie John McBride]] and [[Mike Gibson (rugby union)|Mike Gibson]] (5 tours each) and [[Brian O'Driscoll]] (4 tours).}} in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2021. He is one of seven Wales players to have won three [[Grand Slam (rugby union)|Grand Slams]].{{refn|group=nb|The others are [[Gerald Davies]], [[Gareth Edwards (rugby union)|Gareth Edwards]], [[J. P. R. Williams]], [[Ryan Jones]], [[Adam Jones (rugby union, born 1981)|Adam Jones]] and [[Gethin Jenkins]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17416299|title=Veterans salute third Grand Slam|work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ospreysrugby.com/news/alun-wyn-jones-set-freedom-home-city|title=Alun Wyn Jones set for freedom of home city &#124; Ospreys|website=www.ospreysrugby.com}}</ref>}} He was named the best player of the [[2019 Six Nations Championship]] and was nominated for [[World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year|World Player of the Year]] in 2015 and 2019.

==Early life==
Jones was born in [[Swansea]] to Tim Jones, a solicitor, and Ann Jones, a secondary school teacher. Both Jones' father and grandfather had previously played rugby for Swansea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therugbyjournal.com/rugby-blog/alun-wyn-jones|title=Alun Wyn Jones}}</ref> Jones grew up in [[Mumbles]], initially playing football before switching to rugby whilst at Oystermouth Primary School. For his secondary education, he attended [[Bishop Gore School]] and joined [[Bonymaen RFC]] at age 11. At 16, Jones joined [[Llandovery College]] on a partial scholarship.

==Club career==
===Swansea and Ospreys===
[[File:Alun Wyn Jones 2008 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|185px|Jones during a match against [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]], October 2008]]

Jones played for [[Swansea RFC]] while in the Ospreys Academy. Jones made his Ospreys debut on 4 September 2005 in a 22–20 win over [[Leinster Rugby|Leinster]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/what-became-alun-wyn-jones-18874347|title=Alun Wyn Jones' team-mates from his first pro rugby game 15 years ago today|first=Mark|last=Orders|date=September 4, 2020|website=WalesOnline}}</ref> and having made several appearances as a replacement, Jones made his first Ospreys start against [[Border Reivers (rugby union)|Border Reivers]] later that month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/irish/4251142.stm|title=Border Reivers 16–6 Ospreys|date=September 18, 2005|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

After a disappointing first season in which Ospreys finished 6th in the [[2005–06 Celtic League]], Jones went on to win the [[2006–07 Celtic League]] title, the first trophy of his career.

Jones played in the [[2007–08 EDF Energy Cup|2008 Anglo-Welsh Cup]] final against [[Leicester Tigers|Leicester]], scoring the second try as Ospreys ran out 6–23 winners.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7338472.stm|title=Ospreys 23–6 Leicester|date=April 12, 2008|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

On 23 August 2010, the Ospreys announced that Jones would succeed Welsh teammate Ryan Jones as club captain for the 2010–11 season. The decision was made, in part, so [[Ryan Jones]] could concentrate on the national captaincy during a busy [[2011 Rugby World Cup|World Cup]] year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Orders|first=Mark|date=2020-09-04|title=Alun Wyn Jones' team-mates from his first pro rugby game 15 years ago today|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/what-became-alun-wyn-jones-18874347|access-date=2021-07-21|website=WalesOnline|language=en}}</ref>

On 9 December 2016, Jones broke the Ospreys' record for the highest try scoring forward as he touched down for his 21st try.<ref>{{cite web|date=2016-12-09|title=LionsWatch: Biggar and Jones shine as Giles scores twice in big Ospreys win|url=https://www.lionsrugby.com/2016/12/09/lionswatch-biggar-and-jones-shine-as-giles-scores-twice-in-big-ospreys-win/|access-date=2023-01-04|website=British & Irish Lions|language=en}}</ref>

===Toulon===
On 7 July 2023, Jones would sign for French team [[RC Toulon|Toulon]] as a cover during the [[2023 Rugby World Cup]] held in France.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Ben |date=2023-07-07 |title=Alun Wyn Jones signs for Toulon as European giants announce World Cup signing |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/alun-wyn-jones-signs-toulon-27274731 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Alun Wyn Jones: Former Wales captain signs for Toulon as 'medical joker' for World Cup |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/66132301 |access-date=2023-07-10 |website = BBC Sport}}</ref> On 18 November, he would be made captain for the last match of his career in a [[Top14]] match against Clermont. He received a standing ovation from the crowd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/67452865.amp|title=Alun Wyn Jones: Former Wales captain retires to standing ovation with Toulon}}</ref>

=== Barbarians ===
On 28 May 2023, Jones captained the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians]] to a 48-42 victory over a World XV.<ref name="Baabaas vs World XV">{{cite web |title=Folau booed as Jones' Barbarians beat World XV |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65739583 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref> Three days later, Jones played for both the Barbarians and [[Swansea RFC]], swapping teams at half-time, in a game at [[St Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground|the St Helen's ground]], celebrating Swansea's 150th anniversary.<ref name="Baa-baas vs Swansea">{{cite web |title=Jones had 'tear in eye' as Barbarians beat Swansea |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65771251 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref>

On 4 November 2023, Jones played for the Barbarians against Wales at the [[Millennium Stadium|Principality Stadium]].<ref name="Barbarians vs Wales">{{cite web |title=Wales announce Barbarians game to celebrate Jones |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/66453214 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref> Jones captained the Barbarians, scored a try, and was named man of the match, despite losing 49-26.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wales beat Baa-Baas in rousing send-off for stars |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/67321481 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=8 November 2023}}</ref>

==International career==

=== Wales ===
Jones represented Wales at both under-18 and under-21 level, completing a Grand Slam at the 2005 under-21 Six Nations Championship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4352087.stm|title=Wales U21 32-5 Ireland U21|date=18 March 2005}}</ref>

Jones made his senior Wales debut during the [[2006 June rugby union tests|2006 Summer Tests]], starting at flanker as Wales lost to [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]] in successive games.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/5084264.stm|title=Argentina 45-27 Wales|date=17 June 2006}}</ref> Jones would secure his first Wales win against the [[Pacific Islanders rugby union team|Pacific Islanders]] at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in the [[2006 end-of-year rugby union internationals|2006 Autumn Internationals]]. Jones' first appearance at lock would occur in the following game, a victory over [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]], ahead of a permanent switch from then on.

Jones became first choice lock ahead of the [[2007 Six Nations Championship|2007 Six Nations]], appearing in all 5 games. Disappointing performances however saw Wales finish 5th in the standings, securing their only win of the tournament on the final day against [[England national rugby union team|England]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6454287.stm|title = Wales 27-18 England|date = 17 March 2007}}</ref> Jones scored his first Wales try during the [[2007 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches]], crossing the line in a 27–20 win over [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/6951094.stm |title=BBC SPORT &#124; Rugby Union &#124; Welsh &#124; Wales 27-20 Argentina |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-08-18 |accessdate=2022-09-07}}</ref> Jones was selected at lock in Wales opening [[2007 Rugby World Cup]] pool game against [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]], scoring on his World Cup debut as Wales ran out unconvincing 42–17 victors.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/6980580.stm|title = Wales 42-17 Canada|date = 9 September 2007}}</ref> Following defeat to [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] in [[Cardiff]], Jones would score again against [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]] at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in the third pool game, increasing their chances to qualify. Unfortunately, Wales would fall to defeat in the final game against [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]], crashing out of the World Cup at the pool stage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7017637.stm|title = Wales 34-38 Fiji|date = 29 September 2007}}</ref>

Jones started in Wales' opening game of the [[2008 Six Nations Championship|2008 Six Nations]] against England, achieving a first win at [[Twickenham Stadium|Twickenham]] in 20 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7215056.stm|title = England 19-26 Wales|date = 2 February 2008}}</ref> Jones would miss the following two games, victories over Scotland and Italy due to injury<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7228261.stm|title = Wales coach makes three changes|date = 5 February 2008}}</ref> before returning for the final games against Ireland and France. Wales would complete their second [[Grand Slam (rugby union)|Grand Slam]] in four years, and a first for Jones.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/rugby/report?gameId=25605&league=180659|title=Wales vs France - Report - Six Nations 2008 - 15 Mar, 2008 - ESPN}}</ref> Jones scored his first Six Nations try in the opening game of the [[2009 Six Nations Championship|2009 championship]] against Scotland at [[Murrayfield]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7873538.stm|title = Scotland 13-26 Wales|date = 8 February 2009}}</ref> In the penultimate game of the tournament against Italy, Jones was selected to captain Wales for the first time, becoming the 126th player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/05/wales-henson-alun-wyn-jones|title = Six Nations: Alun-Wyn Jones to captain much-changed Wales against Italy in Rome|website = [[TheGuardian.com]]|date = 5 March 2009}}</ref>

On 18 January 2010, he was named in the 35-man Wales squad for the 2010 Six Nations tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/8463499.stm |title=Wales 2010 Six Nations Squad |work=BBC News |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=17 June 2013 }}</ref> In the first game against England, Jones tripped hooker [[Dylan Hartley]], for which he was sent to the sin-bin. During his 10 minutes there, England scored 17 points and went on to victory. Coach Warren Gatland later criticised Jones for the offence, saying it cost Wales the game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coach Warren Gatland blasts Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/8502494.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=6 February 2010 |accessdate=6 February 2023 }}</ref>

2014 saw Jones captain Wales three times – once against Italy and twice against South Africa. In the 2014 Autumn Internationals, he scored a try in Wales's 28–33 loss to Australia.

In the [[2015 Six Nations]], he formed a second row partnership with [[Luke Charteris]] and won two man-of-the-match awards during the tournament, earning them against Scotland and Italy.

Jones made his 100th appearance when Wales faced South Africa in the quarter-finals of the [[2015 Rugby World Cup]] but Wales were knocked out of the competition with South Africa winning 23–19.

Jones took part in the [[2016 Six Nations]] and was originally paired with [[Luke Charteris]] who was then replaced by [[Bradley Davies]]. Jones suffered an injury in the penultimate game against England in the tournament and was replaced with a returning Charteris. Jones returned to action on the 2016 tour to New Zealand, playing his 100th test for Wales in the first test against New Zealand – his 106th appearance. His 100th Welsh test ended in disappointment with New Zealand beating Wales 39–21, going on to win the series 3–0.

He took part in the 2016 autumn internationals but had to miss the first match due to the death of his father. He returned to play Argentina in which he won the man of the match award.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37935687|title=Autumn international: Wales 24–20 Argentina|work=BBC Sport|date=12 November 2016}}</ref> Jones took over from [[Sam Warburton]] as captain of the Welsh squad for the [[2017 Six Nations Championship|2017 Six Nations]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/17/alun-wyn-jones-sam-warburton-wales-captain|title=Alun Wyn Jones replaces Sam Warburton as Wales captain|date=January 17, 2017|website=the Guardian}}</ref>

In 2019, Jones captained Wales in their [[Grand Slam (rugby union)|Grand Slam]] victory and was named Player of the Championship in a public vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/2019/03/22/wales-captain-alun-wyn-jones-crowned-2019-guinness-six-nations-player-of-the-championship/|title=WALES CAPTAIN ALUN WYN JONES CROWNED 2019 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS PLAYER OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP|date=22 March 2019|website=sixnationsrugby.com|access-date=22 March 2019 }}</ref> It was later established that Jones suffered knee ligament damage early in the Grand Slam decider against [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rugby-union-nations-wal-jones-idAFL3N21A055|title=Rugby-Wales' Jones suffered knee ligament damage in Six Nations decider|newspaper=Reuters|date=23 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15190/11672633/ospreys-alun-wyn-jones-and-george-north-could-miss-a-month-and-scott-williams-season-over|title=Ospreys' Alun Wyn Jones and George North could miss a month and Scott Williams' season over|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Following the game, he was referred to by [[Jonathan Davies (rugby, born 1962)|Jonathan Davies]] and others as "the greatest ever" Welsh rugby player.<ref name="remember">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/03/16/time-remember-name-alun-wyn-jones-could-europes-greatest-ever/|title=Time to remember the name – Alun Wyn Jones could be Europe's greatest ever|date=16 March 2019|last=Greenwood|first=Will|website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47653810|title=Alun Wyn Jones: Wales' legendary leader & player of the 2019 Six Nations|date=22 March 2019|last=Pritchard|first=Dafydd|website=BBC Sport|access-date=22 March 2019 }}</ref>

On 29 September 2019, in a game against Australia at the [[2019 Rugby World Cup]], he became Wales' most-capped player, overtaking the record of 129 caps held by [[Gethin Jenkins]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49869891|title=Wales hold out to beat Australia|work=BBC Sport}}</ref>

On 24 October 2020, Jones equalled [[Richie McCaw]]'s record for the most international appearances, 148 caps, during Wales' 38–21 loss to France.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bywater|first=Alex|date=2020-10-24|title=Jones admits need for improvement after France leave Wales beaten again|language=en-GB|work=The Observer|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/oct/24/france-wales-rugby-union-match-report|access-date=2020-10-25|issn=0029-7712}}</ref> A week later he set a new record, winning his 149th cap against Scotland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/54725357|title=Scotland win in Wales to end 18-year wait|work=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 19 March 2022 he lost his 150th cap, at home [[2022 Six Nations Championship#Round 5|against Italy]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Six Nations: Wales' Alun Wyn Jones on reaching 150 caps |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/rugby-union/60807938}}</ref>

On 19 May 2023, Jones announced his immediate retirement from international rugby along with fellow Welsh international [[Justin Tipuric]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jones and Tipuric announce shock Wales retirements |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/65650298 |access-date=19 May 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2023}}</ref>

=== British and Irish Lions ===
In 2009, Jones was one of 13 Welsh players selected in the squad for the [[British & Irish Lions]]' [[2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|tour to South Africa]]. Jones appeared in the provincial matches against [[Highveld XV|Royal XV]], when he scored his first Lions try, [[Golden Lions]], and [[Sharks (Currie Cup)|Sharks]]. Jones then started the first test alongside [[Paul O'Connell]] against [[South Africa national rugby team|South Africa]], with the team losing 26–21 in [[Durban]]. Jones appeared as a replacement in the remaining two tests, a defeat and a win, as the series ended in a 2–1 defeat for the Lions. In total he played 24 games across 4 tours (including 12 tests) scoring 2 tries.

Jones received his second Lions selection on 30 April 2013, for the [[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia|tour to Australia]]. Jones played and scored in a warm up game against the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians]] before appearing in provincial games against [[Western Force]], [[Combined New South Wales–Queensland Country|Combined Country]] and [[New South Wales Waratahs|Waratahs]]. Jones started at Lock in the first test, playing a role in a 23–21 win, as well as in the second test defeat in [[Melbourne]]. Due to Sam Warburton's tour-ending injury in the second test, Jones was selected as captain for the deciding third test in [[Sydney]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Palmer |first=Bryn |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23141552 |title=Lions 2013: Alun Wyn Jones captain as Brian O'Driscoll omitted |work=bbc.co.uk |date= 3 July 2013|access-date=5 July 2013 }}</ref> which the Lions won 41–16. This made him the first substitute captain to lead the Lions to victory in the final test of a series since [[1904 British Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand|1904]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/190867.html |title=Who was the last Scot to start a Test for Lions? |first=John |last=Griffiths |work=Ask John |publisher=ESPN Scrum |date=17 July 2013 |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref>

On 19 April 2017, Jones was again selected for the Lions ahead of their [[2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|tour to New Zealand]]. Jones captained the Lions for the second time in the provincial game against the [[Crusaders (rugby union)|Crusaders]] as the Lions won 3–12. Jones was once again first choice Lock for the tour, starting at 4 in the first test and 5 in the second and third and left New Zealand as the first player in the professional era to play in nine consecutive British & Irish Lions tests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lionsrugby.com/2017/07/13/2017-lions-player-retrospective-alun-wyn-jones/|title=2017 Lions Player Retrospective: Alun Wyn Jones|date=July 13, 2017|website=British & Irish Lions}}</ref> During the [[2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|Lions tour]] he became one of only seven Lions players to have beaten [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]], [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] and [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] while touring these countries, following the 24–21 win in the second test. Jones started in all three tests of the series against the All Blacks.

On 6 May 2021, Jones was selected and named captain of the British and Irish Lions for their [[2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|tour to South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/57007546|title=British and Irish Lions 2021: Sam Simmonds in 37-man squad but Billy Vunipola misses out|date=6 May 2021|work=BBC Sport|accessdate= 6 May 2021}}</ref> He dislocated his shoulder in the warm-up match against Japan in Edinburgh on 26 June but returned to play in the successful first test win against the Springboks four weeks later. Jones played in all three tests to reach 12 British and Irish Lions caps. [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] won the final test 19–16 and the series by two games to one.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58130765|title=South Africa 19–16 British and Irish Lions: Morne Steyn's late penalty wins series|date=7 August 2021|work=BBC Sport|accessdate= 9 August 2021}}</ref>

=== International tries ===

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%"
|-
! Try  !! Opponent !! Location !! Venue !! Tests  !! Date !! Result
|-
| 1 || {{ru|ARG}} || [[Cardiff]], Wales || [[Millennium Stadium]] || [[2007 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2007|August|18}} || Win
|-
| 2 || {{ru|CAN}} || [[Nantes]], France || [[Stade de la Beaujoire]] || [[2007 Rugby World Cup]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2007|September|9}} || Win
|-
| 3 || {{ru|JPN}} || [[Cardiff]], Wales || [[Millennium Stadium]] || [[2007 Rugby World Cup]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2007|September|20}} || Win
|-
| 4 || {{ru|SCO}} || [[Edinburgh]], Scotland || [[Murrayfield]] || [[2009 Six Nations Championship|2009 Six Nations]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2009|February|8}} || Win
|-
| 5 || {{ru|RSA}} || [[Cardiff]], Wales || [[Millennium Stadium]] || [[2010 June rugby union tests|2010 Summer Internationals]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2010|June|5}} || Loss
|-
| 6 || {{ru|ARG}} || [[Cardiff]], Wales || [[Millennium Stadium]] || [[2011 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches]] ||  {{dts|format=dmy|2011|August|20}} || Win
|-
| 7 || {{ru|NAM}} || [[New Plymouth]], New Zealand || [[Yarrow Stadium]] || [[2011 Rugby World Cup]] ||  {{dts|format=dmy|2011|September|26}} || Win
|-
| 8 || {{ru|AUS}} || [[Cardiff]], Wales || [[Millennium Stadium]] || [[2014 end-of-year rugby union internationals|2014 Autumn Internationals]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2014|November|8}} || Loss
|-
| 9 || {{ru|NZ}} || [[Wellington]], New Zealand || [[Westpac Stadium]] || [[2016 Wales rugby union tour of New Zealand|2016 Tour of New Zealand]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2016|June|18}} || Loss
|}

==Personal life==

Jones and his wife, Dr. Anwen Jones, have three daughters.

Jones studied part-time for a degree in law at [[Swansea University]], graduating on 21 July 2010.<ref>Mockford, S. "Spotlight on Alun-Wyn Jones", ''Rugby World'', May 2007</ref>

Jones was appointed [[Officer of the Order of the British Empire]] (OBE) in the [[2020 Birthday Honours]] for services to rugby union in Wales.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=63135|supp=y|page=B13|date=10 October 2020}}</ref> He was invested, by [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge|Prince William]], in a ceremony at [[Windsor Castle]], on 9 November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/alun-wyn-jones-receives-honour-22117697 |title=Alun Wyn Jones receives honour from Prince William as his proud wife watches on |first=Katie |last=Sands |date=9 November 2021 |website=WalesOnline |access-date=10 November 2021}}</ref>

==Honours==

===Ospreys===
*[[Pro14|Celtic League/Pro12]]: 2006–07, 2009–10, 2011–12
*[[Anglo-Welsh Cup]]: 2007–08
*[[Welsh Shield]]: 2021-22

===Wales U21===
*[[Six Nations Under 20s Championship]]: 2005

===Wales===
*[[Six Nations Championship]]: [[2008 Six Nations Championship|2008]], [[2012 Six Nations Championship|2012]], [[2013 Six Nations Championship|2013]], [[2019 Six Nations Championship|2019]], [[2021 Six Nations Championship|2021]]
*[[Grand Slam (rugby union)|Grand Slam]]: 2008, 2012, 2019
*[[Triple Crown (rugby union)|Triple Crown]]: 2008, 2012, 2019, 2021
*[[Doddie Weir Cup]]: 2018, 2019, 2021
*[[Prince William Cup]]: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018

===British & Irish Lions===
*[[British & Irish Lions]] series: [[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia|2013]]
*[[2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand]] (drawn series)

===Individual===
*[[Order of the British Empire|Officer of the Order of the British Empire]]: [[2020 Queen's Birthday Honours]]
*[[British & Irish Lions]] captain: [[2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|2021]]
*[[British & Irish Lions]] tourist: [[2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|2009]], [[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia|2013]],  [[2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|2017]], [[2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|2021]]
*[[IRB International Player of the Year]] Shortlist: 2015, 2019
*[[Rugby World|Rugby World Magazine]] Player of the Year: 2019
*[[Six Nations Championship|Six Nations Player of the Championship]]: [[2019 Six Nations Championship|2019]]
* [[BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year]]: 2019<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/wales/50473614|title=BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2019: Alun Wyn Jones wins award|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=20 December 2024}}</ref>

==Biography==
''Belonging: The Autobiography'', 2021, Pan Macmillan {{ISBN|978-1529058093}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist|group=nb}}

==External links==
*{{Sport links}}
*[http://www.ospreysrugby.com/Teams/Ospreys/Player/129630 Ospreys profile]
*[https://www.wru.wales/player/alun-wyn-jones/ Wales profile]
*{{cite web |url=http://www.llandoverycollege.com/default.asp?page=617 |title=Llandovery College |access-date=2009-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404072825/http://www.llandoverycollege.com/default.asp?page=617 |archive-date=2010-04-04 |url-status=dead }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130527125309/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/wales_seniors.php?player=5071&includeref=dynamic Alun Wyn Jones on WRU.co.uk]

{{s-start}}
{{s-sports}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Sam Warburton]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] captain|years=2017–2023}}
{{s-aft|after =[[Ken Owens]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Sam Warburton]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[British & Irish Lions]] captain|years=2021}}
{{s-aft|after =[[Conor Murray]]}}
{{end}}

{{British & Irish Lions team captains}}
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{{Wales 2007 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{British and Irish Lions 2009}}
{{Wales 2011 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{British and Irish Lions 2013}}
{{Wales 2015 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{British and Irish Lions 2017}}
{{Wales 2019 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{British and Irish Lions 2021}}
}}
{{BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year winners}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Alun Wyn}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Alumni of Swansea University]]
[[Category:British & Irish Lions rugby union players from Wales]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Ospreys (rugby union) players]]
[[Category:21st-century Welsh sportsmen]]
[[Category:RC Toulon players]]
[[Category:People educated at Bishop Gore School]]
[[Category:People educated at Llandovery College]]
[[Category:Rugby union locks]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Swansea]]
[[Category:Wales international rugby union players]]
[[Category:Welsh rugby union players]]
[[Category:Wales rugby union captains]]
[[Category:Welsh autobiographers]]
[[Category:2007 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:2011 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:2015 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:2019 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:Welsh expatriate rugby union players in France]]