'I have to gain respect' - Alun Wyn Jones reveals post rugby plans
Rugby NewsWednesday, 26 July 2023 at 09:24
Alun Wyn Jones, the former captain of Wales and the British and Irish Lions, has expressed that he simply couldn't resist the opportunity to join Top 14 side Toulon as cover during this year's World Cup.
Despite surprising many by ending his illustrious Test career in May, the 37-year-old lock forward remains available for selection. Jones leaves behind an impressive legacy, having played a record-breaking 170 matches (158 for Wales and 12 for the B&I Lions).
“I had the chance to reflect on my future when I ended my international career,” he told a press conference this week.
“I’ve done a lot of things in my career and to play in France was one of my aims so when the chance came up I wasn’t able to refuse it.”
He added: “I’ve played rugby long enough now to realise you never know what’s going to happen in the future,
“I see what [Director of Rugby] Pierre Mignoni wants to achieve with this team and I’m thrilled to be here but I haven’t proved anything yet.
“What I’ve done up to now counts for nothing, now I have to gain respect wearing the Toulon shirt.”
Off the field career change
Jones' off-the-field move into the drinks industry has seen him create a coffee-infused rum named Mimosa.
The brand celebrates the pioneering spirit of the Welsh people who embarked on a life-changing voyage to Patagonia in Argentina in the 19th century.
That voyage began in 1865 when a ship named the Mimosa set sail from Liverpool with 153 passengers on board who dreamed of establishing Welsh-speaking communities in Patagonia.
Alun Wyn Jones facts:
- He is the first player in the professional era to have played in nine consecutive Tests for the Lions having been involved in all three series
- Alun Wyn Jones has a law degree from Swansea University and he graduated in 2010
- nothing. Second rows wearing white rugby boots was quite unusual. That’s how he got the nickname Alun Gwyn Boots
- His father, Tim Jones, was a respected solicitor who also played rugby for Swansea, and his funeral in 2016 drew hundreds from the legal and rugby worlds. One of life’s true characters.
- Wife of the Lions captain and mum to their two daughters Mali and Efa, Anwen, who is a doctor of physiology, is a Welsh-speaking physiology lecturer at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University.
5 England rugby players now making it big in business after smart investments
With the time in elite sport forever shortening, rugby players would be smart to look to the future and invest in businesses too, like these current and ex-pros...
When they’re not smashing each other on the pitch, rugby players with one eye on the future could do worse than taking steps into the world of business.
If they’re lucky, professionals might enjoy careers lasting about 15 years in the sport – and taking up a job as a coach or media pundit after retirement isn’t for everyone.
No sector has been left unturned by players from across all levels of the game in their investments as they seek to set themselves up for life and regain focus after hanging up their boots.
Here’s some of the most prominent rugby players to have made waves in business.
Jack Nowell
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall.
Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere.
He is also a director of .
Phil Vickery
Established in 2003 by the Rugby World Cup Winner & MBE, Raging Bull clothing has grown from grassroots rugby to a brand that punches well above its weight having supplied sportswear to national and international level sides.
Vickery also opened Cheltenham based restaurant No.3 nine years after the former prop won Celebrity Masterchef. With a passion for food and people, Vickery can’t wait to welcome you all to No.3 for a truly memorable dining experience.
Manu Tuilagi
Making a Tuilagi Gin was often talked about in the early hours of the morning by the brothers after many gin and tonics. As there are fifteen players on the rugby pitch, they have added fifteen botanicals to their gin.
Some of the botanicals they use in their recipe are; Juniper, Coriander, Orris, Sage, Thyme, Mac cloves, Lavender, Rose and Orange peel.
Fran Cotton
Cotton Traders is an English clothing company, specialising in rugby apparel and leisurewear, based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. It was founded in 1987 by former England national rugby union team captains Fran Cotton and Steve Smith.
They currently operate 80 retail stores nationwide in high street, retail outlets, garden centres and travel locations. They also provide an overseas delivery service to over 25 countries, with dedicated websites for customers internationally, in Ireland and Australia.
George Kruis
It was from personal experiences with recovery from injuries that Kruis and former teammate Dominic Day discovered cannabidiol (CBD) and from their positive reactions with the product he set up fourfivecbd – a range of balms, oils, gels and capsules that incorporates CBD.
Their products are now sold in Next and on their website here.
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