By Gareth James
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones says he “couldn’t turn down” the chance to join Top 14 side Toulon as cover during this year’s World Cup.
The 37-year-old second-row forward is available after surprising many in bringing down the curtain on his stellar Test career – he played a world record 170 matches (158 for Wales, 12 for the Lions) – in May.
“I had the chance to reflect on my future when I ended my international career,” he told a press conference.
“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.”
Jones – who had looked set for a fifth World Cup having been named in the preliminary squad – also ended his 17-year stay at Ospreys in June.
The World Cup, which France is hosting, runs from 8 September to 28 October.
Alun Wyn Jones hasn’t ‘proved anything yet’ as he bids to earn Toulon respect independent of Wales statushttps://t.co/hxHyFcxNKs
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) July 26, 2023
Jones is eager to test himself in the new surroundings of the Top 14.
“I’ve played rugby long enough now to realise you never know what’s going to happen in the future,” he added.
“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.”
Mignoni says his star new recruit “wants to perform”.
“We watched his performances last season, they were incredible” Mignoni added.
#SPOTLIGHT: Alun Wyn Jones opens up on his new chapter in his rugby career 👇#Wales #Top14 #Toulon https://t.co/9I24GtXr7g
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 26, 2023
Toulon begin the upcoming season away to Lyon on 19 August.
Meanwhile, in the women’s game, Georgia Evans has extended her stay at Saracens by signing a new contract with the Allianz Premier15s heavyweights.
The Wales forward was named as the coaches’ ‘Player of the Season’ after the last campaign, although there was no repeat of the Allianz Premier 15s title winning performance of 2022. The champions were beaten in the semi-finals this time.
The 26-year-old has won 20 Welsh caps and battled back to fitness to go to the World Cup last season after sustaining a horror injury to her arm earlier in the year.
“I’m so happy to be staying with Sarries, it is home for me. Last year didn’t quite go to plan for us as a team, but I’m excited to right some wrongs, keep challenging myself as a player and work with an exciting team of players and staff,” said Evans, who is equally at home in either the second or back row.
Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry was also pleased to have secured the services of Evans, ahead of the new season, believing that she can continue to take her game to another level.
Alun Wyn Jones hasn’t ‘proved anything yet’ as he bids to earn Toulon respect independent of Wales statushttps://t.co/hxHyFcxNKs
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) July 26, 2023
“Georgia is a special type of player who energises a team and makes things happen. She’s a great character and personality, and her influence on and off the field is significant,” he said.
“Georgia is physical, a very good breakdown operator, unbelievably committed and embraces the challenge. She is the type of player you want in your team and do not want to play against, and that is a huge compliment.
“I’m absolutely delighted that she has committed her future to Saracens. Her game has developed significantly during her time at the club, and I truly believe her best is yet to come.”