Lions legend Alun Wyn Jones takes on new military role

Saturday, 19 July 2025 at 11:27

byRugby Rucker

Wales icon Alun Wyn Jones has been named Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, in a royal appointment officially approved by His Majesty King Charles III.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

The towering lock — who remains the most capped player in rugby history with a staggering 170 international appearances for Wales and the British & Irish Lions — will now take on a new kind of leadership role, this time off the field.

Jones, who first captained Wales in the 2009 Six Nations clash against Italy, is one of only four players to be selected on four separate Lions tours, earning 12 Lions caps between 2009 and 2021.

Now, in his latest chapter, he will use that same world-class leadership to inspire soldiers across Wales.

In his new ceremonial role, the former Ospreys stalwart will act as a figurehead and ambassador, guiding and motivating both current and future members of The Royal Welsh.

He steps into the role following the departure of Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, who held the position with distinction for over a decade.

Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Chris Barry CBE, paid tribute to both men:

“I am proud to welcome Alun Wyn Jones to the Regimental family as the Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh – a position that has been personally approved by our Colonel in Chief, King Charles III.

“It is an honour for us to bring into the fold a true Welsh warrior, who has served and led the national rugby team of Wales and The British and Irish Lions and the most capped rugby player in history.

“We now look forward to building a long-lasting, two-way relationship between our 3rd Battalion and Alun Wyn Jones.

“The Regimental Headquarters, on behalf of all ranks of The Royal Welsh, would like to thank the outgoing Honorary Colonel of 3 Royal Welsh, Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, for more than 11 years of outstanding leadership and service to the Regimental family. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

Wasteful 3/10" - Three Lions who flopped against the Wallabies - and who should replace them

The British and Irish Lions opened their Test series with a 27-19 victory over the Wallabies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Dominant for much of the first 50 minutes, the Lions looked poised to deliver a heavy defeat after a Finn Russell penalty and tries from Sione Tuipulotu and Tom Curry gave them a 17-5 halftime lead.

Australia responded through Max Jorgensen but were largely second-best in all areas. The Lions extended their advantage early in the second half when Dan Sheehan crossed in the corner, with Russell adding his third conversion to make it 24-5.

However, the visitors lost momentum as the Wallabies surged back into the contest, gaining control of possession and territory. Carlo Tizzano powered over following sustained pressure, and Ben Donaldson’s conversion cut the deficit to 12 points with 12 minutes remaining.

Marcus Smith settled some nerves with a late penalty, but Tate McDermott’s try ensured a nervy finish. Despite the win, a few Lions players failed to make a convincing case with their performances.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

#1. HUGO KEENAN

Express 5/10: "Been off colour on tour so far and same again here with defensive error"

Planet Sport 5/10: "Like his fellow back-three starters, Keenan’s shift was filled with errors and soft moments defensively. Grew into the game somewhat, but did not nail down the starting role for next week. Robbed of the ball, leading to Max Jorgensen’s try, one of two turnovers conceded."

Rugby pass 5/10: "The Leinsterman was plagued under the high ball. Got the rub of the green when the officials missed a touch on a corner flag punt; it would have been but one of a number of high-profile errors for the fullback. Had a few decent moments in attack, but not enough to account for a defensive shocker."

Replacement: Blair Kinghorn if he can brush off his knee problem

Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.

#2. TOMMY FREEMAN

Planet Sport 5/10: "Like his fellow winger, he endured an error-ridden performance, overcooking kicks, spilling the ball in the air and missing key tackles. Worked tirelessly to rectify his mistakes but ended the match with a game-high of four turnovers conceded."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Part of a Lions back-three that had a sketchy day fielding the ball and he was a contributor on that front, albeit to a lesser extent than his comrades."

BALLS: "Really forceful carry, early on, skittled some Wallabies. Knocked forward on a high ball kick-chase. Chipped out on the full, up the right wing. Rashly repeated the error, under little pressure, minutes later. Knocked on when trying to offload, on 70 minutes."

Telegraph 4/10: "Strong as a ball carrier and aerial presence but some suspect decision making. Does not quite seem on the same wavelength as the other backs."

Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe

#3. JAMES LOWE

Planet Rugby 4/10: " Overcooked a kick in the first half and botched a try-scoring opportunity in an incredibly wasteful performance. While he did pop up all over the park in attack, the Wallabies largely marked him well, limiting his influence. Might have played himself out of the Test starting XV."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "A few loose moments in the air in the early exchanges and overcooked a corner punt to gift the Wallabies rare field position. Nearly set up a try with a superb fend on Jorgensen before finding Jones on his inside, only for the five-pointer to be rubbed off. Got stripped of the ball with the line beckoning on 34 minutes."

Express 5/10: "Has not been right all trip and was not on his A game here with errors"

Telegraph 3/10: "Not a form pick and it painfully showed. Made some terrible decisions from kicking dead, knocking on going for the tryline and kicked loosely."

Mail Online 4/10: "A loose early kick which went dead betrayed the fact that he is either off form or was overcome with nerves. Struggled to impose himself, as he has all tour."

Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches

Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?

You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!