Alun Wyn Jones urges Welsh rugby not to ‘paper over the cracks’ despite their run to the World Cup quarter-finals… as he insists there are ‘deeper-rooted issues that need to be sorted’

• Wales reached the quarter-finals at the Rugby World Cup in France last month
• Alun Wyn Jones retired from international duty in the run-up to the tournament
• However, the legendary lock insisted several issues still needed to be sorted

Alun Wyn Jones has called on Welsh rugby not to ‘paper over the cracks’ and fix ‘issues that need to be sorted’ as he prepares to bring an end to a glittering career.

Jones, 38 and the world’s most capped player, will play his final international game on Saturday when he turns out for the Barbarians against the country of his birth in Cardiff. 

The lock has been one of his sport’s most iconic figures and has captained Wales and the British & Irish Lions, making a total of 170 Test appearances. 

Jones retired from Wales duty this summer and wasn’t part of his former team’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals in France. 

‘I am pleased for the players for the success they had on the back of a tough year for Welsh rugby,’ said Jones, who will captain the Barbarians against Wales. 

Alun Wyn Jones urged Welsh rugby not to ‘paper over the cracks’ despite reaching the World Cup quarter-finals

The legendary forward insisted there are still ‘issues that need to be sorted’ with Welsh rugby

‘I just hope it doesn’t paper over the cracks because there are deeper-rooted issues that need to be sorted or we will end up in the cycle we keep doing every four years.

‘I just hope it kicks on the right way with a young group of players I believe can achieve lots. 

‘I care about Welsh sport and I care about rugby and I want to make sure it is in the best possible place it can be. There is a lot of stuff about financial stuff and leagues but I think we’ve got to make sure player welfare is at the forefront. That’s the main thing for me.’ 

Jones has finished his club career with French side Toulon on a short-term contract and may well feature for them again before Christmas. 

As a former Lions captain playing for the Barbarians this weekend, Jones reiterated his support for rugby continuing to make sure the two historic teams have a place in the sport. 

This week, three-time Lions head coach Warren Gatland called for the team to have greater preparation time for the 2025 tour of Australia. Gatland has ruled himself out of coaching the Lions for the fourth straight tour, leaving Ireland’s Andy Farrell as the favourite to take on the role for the Wallabies series. 

Warren Gatland’s side reached the last eight of the World Cup after a tumultuous year

Wyn Jones also urged rugby to keep supporting both the Barbarians and British & Irish Lions

‘We’re very blessed as a sport that we’ve got the Barbarians, the Lions, and some classic traditions,’ Jones said. ‘I think it’s something the game needs. There are not many other sports that do it. 

‘It gives a focal point for the sport for players and supporters to follow.’ 

On the prospect of ending his international career at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium this weekend, Jones added: ‘It is going to be emotional by the sounds of it. It’s been a long time coming. 

‘It’s going to be fun. In any walk of life all good things come to an end.’

Barbarians team to face Wales (Saturday, Principality Stadium. Kick-off: 2.30pm): Ilasia Droasese (Fiji); Shaun Stevenson (New Zealand), Len Ikitau (Australia), Izaia Perese (Australia), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fiji); Nicolas Sanchez (Argentina), Simione Kuruvoli (Fiji); Joe Moody (New Zealand), Tevita Ikanivere (Fiji), Taniela Tupou (Australia), Rob Leota (Australia), Alun Wyn Jones (capt) (Wales), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Michael Hooper (Australia), Rob Valetini (Australia)

Replacements: Angus Bell (Australia), Asafo Aumua (New Zealand), Peni Ravai (Fiji), Api Ratuniyarawa (Fiji), Tom Hooper (Australia), Lautaro Bazan Velez (Argentina), Ben Donaldson (Australia), Andrew Kellaway (Australia)

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