Alun Wyn Jones made honorary colonel by the King

Alun Wyn Jones said he was "hugely flattered and humbled", as well as "a little apprehensive"

Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones has become an ambassador of the Army's only reserve infantry regiment in Wales.

Jones was appointed honorary colonel of 3rd Battalion, the Royal Welsh, by King Charles III.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain said he was "hugely flattered and humbled", as well as "a little apprehensive".

Jones, from Swansea, played 158 times for Wales, and 12 for the Lions, making him the most capped rugby player in history.

In his role, Jones will wear military uniform and serve as an ambassador for Wales, "inspiring current and future generations" of The Royal Welsh.

"It is an honour for us to bring into the fold a true Welsh warrior," said Maj Gen Chris Barry, colonel of the regiment.

Jones said that after learning about the history of the The Royal Welsh, it was an opportunity he "couldn't turn down"

The battalion supports the regular Army in its operations, including deploying soldiers abroad.

Jones said that during his time playing rugby that seeing the men and women in uniform holding Wales' national flag "was always a significant and poignant symbol of the history and connection to the military in Wales".

"My apprehension was borne out of the responsibility felt while wearing the red jersey and all that comes with representing our nation," he said.

He said that learning about the history of the The Royal Welsh meant it was "something I couldn't turn down".

"The fact that personnel serving with 3rd Battalion also have day jobs also sparked an awareness that reservists are all around us in civilian life," he added.

Alun Wyn Jones is one of the most celebrated rugby players in Wales, winning five Six Nations titles including three Grand Slams

Brig Wardle, for former head of the Army in Wales and outgoing honorary colonel, said there is "no set job description" in the role but its main task "is to support the battalion in any way possible".

"The main role though is to see what reservists do, to listen to their stories and to encourage them and to be a positive role model.

"Alun Wyn has a history of service to his country, and he has widely-recognised leadership qualities - I can't think of a more fitting person to enthuse, motivate and inspire the battalion than him," he said.