‘I’m more nervous about speaking Welsh with you and you (Nigel Owens and Jonathan Davies) than playing rugby,’ said Alun Wyn Jones
Alun Wyn Jones appeared on the latest episode of ‘Jonathan'(Image: S4C)
Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones is learning to speak Welsh and has taken a daunting new step in his journey by appearing on Welsh-language TV show ‘Jonathan’. The former Ospreys lock appeared on S4C in October, with Gavin and Stacey actor Steffan Rhodri helping to further Jones’ Welsh language capabilities.
The former British and Irish Lions captain has now taken the next leap in his journey on ‘Jonathan’, being interviewed by Sarra Elgan, Nigel Owens and Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies himself – all in Welsh. The ex-rugby star was put through his paces with the language in the 48-minute show.
Jones was also surprised by his wife, Anwen, during the programme. She is, of course, fluent in Welsh, which is part of the reason why Jones began learning his native language.
The couple took part in a ‘Mr and Mrs’ quiz to see whether they truly knew each other. She revealed they met at an Elton John concert in 2009 and exchanged numbers. Jones didn’t text her, but he ended up poking her on Facebook, and the rest is history.
Alun Wyn Jones and wife Anwen(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
Kicking off the show, Jiffy congratulated Jones for learning Welsh, recognising just how brave it was to do so. In Welsh, Jones responded: “I’m more nervous about speaking Welsh with you and you (Owens and Jiffy) than playing rugby – so be nice!”
Owens then asked the Welsh legend why he started learning Welsh in the first place. “I wanted to learn Welsh because I’ve travelled the world playing rugby, but I didn’t carry the language with me. My gran on my mum’s side was a Welsh teacher. But when I was young, I was a little bit stubborn. Not like I am now, you can shut up! (Jiffy).
“But I think it’s important for me now to learn about Welsh and my relationship with Wales. My wife and daughters speak Welsh in the house, so I want to know what’s going on in the house!”
Jiffy added: “It’s nice that you’ve come on and shown that you’re willing to speak it. Ruth Jones did the same thing. It makes people very happy.” Jones continued: “The Welsh Government want a million more Welsh speakers by 2050. Well, I’m one of those – 999,000 to go!”
Speaking about his appearance on Iaith Ar Daith, Jones said: “Steff was great in helping me to build my confidence through speaking, singing and I-Spy. But Steffan has a lot of patience. I enjoy learning. I have family in Llanbrynmair in north Wales.”
Closing out the show, Jiffy said: “Thank you for coming on, thanks for learning Welsh. It’s hard and brave to come on here. I know you were more nervous tonight than you were playing international matches, weren’t you? Well done for coming on, you’re doing so well.”
When asked what he’s up to now that his rugby career has finished, Jones confirmed that he’s been working at Swansea University for the National Institute for Support and Health.
Alongside this, he’s an Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion of The Royal Welsh, as well as running his business, Mimosa Rum. Although he adds that the most important job is being a dad to his three children at home. Next for the legend is an appearance on Master Chef next week.