NEWS: Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones will bring to an end his illustrious career when he leads out Toulon on Saturday against ASM Clermont Auvergne.
When RC Toulon plays ASM Clermont Auvergne in the TOP 14 at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday, the legendary Wales forward Alun Wyn Jones will close out his extraordinary career.
Over 15 seasons with the Ospreys, the 38-year-old made 68 appearances in all EPCR competitions. Between 2007–08 and 2009–10, he participated in three Champions Cup campaigns with the Welsh Region, making it to the quarterfinals each time.
He made his debut in the EPCR competition during the 2006–07 season, defeating the Sale Sharks 17–16 in front of 13,529 spectators at Swansea.com Stadium. It took him until the 2007–08 season to make his mark on the scoreboard, as he scored in Wyn Jones’ first of seven EPCR tries during the Ospreys’ seven-try 48–17 thumping against Ulster.
Regretfully, he was never able to raise the winners’ medal, with his closest moments of EPCR triumph coming from consecutive quarterfinal losses to Saracens (10-19), Munster Rugby (9-43) and, most agonizingly, Biarritz Olympique (28-29).
The Welshman played 60 minutes in the second row during his final appearance in the EPCR’s premier club championship, which ended in a 20-35 loss to Saracens in the Round of 16.
In addition to representing Wales on 158 occasions, Wyn Jones, a former captain of the British and Irish Lions, led the team 48 times, one less than his predecessor Sam Warburton’s record. Nine times, he crossed the whitewash for his country.
In July, Wyn Jones signed with French team Toulon to serve as a World Cup injury substitute. He has made three appearances in the TOP 14.
Toulon have a proud tradition in EPCR competition having won the European Rugby Champions Cup in 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15, and the EPCR Challenge Cup in May this year.
He declared, “I never thought I would be here finishing my career,” prior to his last matchup with Clermont.
“That’s all I have to say is thank you to everyone, and the most important thing is hopefully we can win this weekend.”
“He was instrumental in kicking off this season in terms of the attitude he brought to the game, and especially in his work ethic,” Toulon head coach Pierre Mignoni continued. This group required it. Without a doubt, I wanted him to be here.
