Alun Wayne Jones and Justin Tiburek: Experienced Wales duo retire from international rugby four months before the World Cup | Rugby Union News

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Alun Wayne Jones and Justin Tiburek announce their retirement from international rugby within hours of each other; Both were selected in Wales’ preliminary 54-man squad for the Rugby World Cup; Jones retires as the most capped international player, winning 158 caps for Wales and 12 for the Lions.

19:09, United Kingdom, Friday 19 May 2023

Alun Wayne Jones and Justin Tiborich announced their retirement from international rugby just four months before Wales’ campaign in the Rugby World Cup got underway.

Both players were named in an expanded 54-man squad to train for the Rugby World Cup by Wales coach Warren Gatland earlier this month.

Jones, 37, is the most capped player in international rugby – winning 158 for Wales and 12 for the British and Irish Lions.

“After being selected in the preliminary squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup, and following continued dialogue with the coaching staff and the WRU, I have decided to step away from the international game,” Jones said in a statement on social media.

“So, 17 years later, I remember the special memories with the Welsh greats and future Welsh greats.

“My grandfather and father nurtured a passion for rugby in my younger days that lasted throughout. The opportunity to become a professional in the sport I love was a dream come true, and representing my home region, the Osprey, and the clubs within the region, namely the Mumbles and especially Bonymaen, have been guiding me in my own formative years.” B, beyond being special and something I am very grateful for.

“Thank you so much to the machine and the players who have been on my journey, I wish you all the best for the future.

To the fans, thank you for the support and making the most special of occasions unforgettable.

To the people closest to me, my family, I couldn’t have done it without you. Through injury, loss, and success, you have always been there and you will be in the future.

“For all that I have accomplished, my greatest achievement will always be my children.”

Tiburic, 33, captained Wales during last year’s autumn internationals but announced his shock retirement earlier on Friday.

“During the off-season I had time to reflect on my football career and now seems the right time to step away from international rugby,” Tiburic said in a statement.

“It was an honor to wear the Wales shirt and I have a lot of great memories.

“I would like to thank all the players and coaches I have been fortunate enough to work with over the years and the fantastic support I have received from the Welsh public.

“I am looking forward to spending more time at home and putting all of my energies into playing for my home region of the Ospreys.”

Jones’ international career began in 2006 and he captained Wales for the first time in 2009. He became permanent captain in 2017 and holds the Welsh record for most matches as captain with 52.

He led the team to the Six Nations Grand Championship in 2019 and was named Player of the Tournament that year. He won five Six Nations titles with Wales including three Grand Slams. He also appeared in four World Cups for Wales in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.

Jones is one of only four players to be selected to play on four British and Irish Lions tours. He was captain of the team for the 2021 tour of South Africa, and was also captain for the 2013 season in the series against Australia.

Tiburic made his debut for Wales in 2011 and helped them win the Six Nations Championship in 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2021. He was also part of the Wales teams that reached the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the semi-finals in 2019.

‘AWJ gives an indication that it wasn’t in the plans of the RWC?’ Mkhaiberi’s retirement is more shocking.

James Cole from Sky Sports News…

There is no doubt that Elun Wayne Jones will go down as one of the all-time greats of rugby union.

170 caps for Wales, Britain and Ireland, captained Wales on 52 occasions, three grand slams, five Six Nations titles, also captained the Lions in 2021, and was part of a winning streak for Australia in 2013.

In a statement on Instagram, Alun Wayne Jones said he came to the decision after ongoing dialogue with the coaching staff and the WRU, suggesting he had been given a hint that it may not have been part of Warren Gatland’s World Cup plans.

Now, this is a surprise, but nowhere near as shocking as the news that preceded it, that Justin Tibork was also retiring from international rugby.

“He’s 33, four years younger than Jones. He still felt he had a big part to play in Welsh rugby, and certainly in their World Cup campaign.

“This is more of a shock. Tiburic did not say why he was retiring but only said he wanted to focus on playing for his region [Ospreys] He now spends more time with his family.

“Just four months after the start of the Rugby World Cup in France, two Welsh players have resigned.”

Gatland praises ‘incredibly special’ Jones after Wales retirement | “great tip”

Wales manager Gatland praised Jones as “an incredibly special player”.

The players’ decisions come less than four months before Wales’ World Cup opener against Fiji in Bordeaux, both of whom were recently named to a preliminary 54-man training squad for the tournament by Gatland.

Welsh boss Gatland said: “I would like to congratulate Al on an exceptional international career.

Photo: Gatland coached Jones for Wales between 2007 and 2019, and then again since 2022

“His leadership, dedication and determination are second to none and he has been an incredibly special player for Wales over the past 17 years.

“Every time he goes to the training ground or red-shirts in a Test match, he’s done his best, setting standards and leading by example.

“I am very fortunate to have been able to work with him, with Wales and with the Lions.

Al’s passion and commitment to his country knows no bounds, and he has been an important pillar of the game in Wales.

“He and his family can be very proud of all he has achieved and knowing he leaves a lasting legacy on Welsh rugby.”

On Tiburic, Gatland added: “Justin has been a fixture in the back row for Wales since he made his debut in 2011.

Image: Tiburek, 33, leaves the Test arena after making ‘an outstanding contribution to Welsh rugby’, says Gatland

“He’s completely calm off the field, but his skills and work-rate really set him apart from the crowd.

“He does not like much fuss, but I would like to congratulate him on a remarkable career. He has made an outstanding contribution to Welsh rugby.”

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