Wales Legends Announce their Shock Retirement from Test Rugby Union

With just four months to go until the Rugby World Cup, Welsh rugby union has been rocked by the shock retirement of two legends of the game. Both Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn Jones have announced they are to step away from international games.

According to numerous reports, Justin Tipuric, 33, was the first to call time on his national career on Friday May 19^th after his sports management team released a statement claiming he felt it was “the right time” to retire and focus his energies on playing with provincial side Ospreys.

Just a few hours later Alun Wyn Jones, 37, posted on Instagram that he too would be stepping away from international rugby, before wishing the rest of his teammates the best of luck in the future. Perhaps tellingly, Jones also didn’t acknowledge if he would continue to play at a domestic level.

It’s understood that the respective decisions from both players was linked to the turbulent state of Welsh rugby union, but also the fact that neither had guarantees they would be starting any games when September’s World Cup rolls out.

A surprise exit

Alongside being on the cusp of a major tournament, one of the biggest surprises here was that both players had been named in coach Warren Gatland’s provisional 54-man training squad. Moreover, both have been integral parts of Wales success on the global stage over the last 10 years.

A ‘lasting legacy’

Despite being rumoured to have been unaware of either players’ intentions, Warren Gatland praised the careers of the two, but notably of Alun Wyn Jones. He said:

“I’d like to congratulate Al on a phenomenal international career. His leadership, dedication and determination are second to none and he has been an incredibly special player for Wales over the past 17 years. 

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

‘Al’s passion and commitment for his country are limitless. He and his family can be immensely proud of all he has achieved and in knowing he leaves a lasting legacy in Welsh rugby”.

Two decorated careers

Only time will tell whether or not both players continue their club careers for the foreseeable. However, what can be confirmed is that between the two of them they’ve more than made an impression on the game, from achieving pivotal rugby results for Wales, to

creating numerous record-breaking statistics.

Both were Six Nations champions in 2012, 13, 19 – where Jones was player of the tournament – and 2021, while Jones also has 2008’s championship to his name. In addition to this, Tipuric is also widely renowned as one of Wales’ greatest ever players and Jones is of course is the current highest cap holder, having played in 170 tests for both Wales and the British and Irish Lions.