Alun Wyn Jones: Former Wales and Lions star to play for Barbarians and Swansea in celebration game
- Published
Alun Wyn Jones was aged 19 when he played for Swansea in this game against Llanelli in December, 2004
Alun Wyn Jones is set to play for Barbarians and Swansea when they meet at St Helen's on Wednesday (18:30 BST).
Ex-Cardiff boss John Mulvihill is in charge of the tourists for the game being played to celebrate Swansea's 150th anniversary.
Jones, 37, and the world's most-capped player, led Barbarians to victory over a World XV last Sunday.
"You'll probably see him in an All Whites jersey in the second half," said Mulvihill.
"He might lead the Swansea team out at half-time.
"I was still taken aback that he wanted to play. He said 'it's in my parish and I want to play against my team'."
Mulvihill has taken the Barbarians reins after compatriot and Wallabies coach Eddie Jones guided the invitational team to victory at Twickenham on Sunday.
That game marked Jones' first Barbarians appearance, after 158 Wales caps and 12 more for the British and Irish Lions.
The accolade came in the wake of Jones retiring from international rugby four months before the 2023 World Cup.
Mulvihill expects Alun Wyn Jones to continue his club career, with Jones' Ospreys contract due to expire later this year.
Alun Wyn Jones: A 'massive, mould-breaking role-model'
"I don't think it's going to be his sign-off, he's got a few miles to go yet," said Mulvihill as he echoed Jones' thoughts.
"He's done everything in the game for Wales and the British and Irish Lions, 17 years as a professional Test player. He's massive, people around the world know who Al is."
Barbarians: Damien Hoyland; Taichi Takahashi, Rey Lee-Lo, Billy Twelvetrees; Alex Wootton; Stephen Shingler, Lewis Jones; Oli Kebble, Kirby Myhill, Enrique Pieretto, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Olly Robinson, Sione Vailanu.
Replacements: Elvis Taione, D'Arcy Rae, Murray McCallum, Matthew Screech, Sam Cross, Harri Morgan, Lloyd Williams, Billy Searle, Tom Howe..
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