Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones has been handed a major new honour after being officially appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh — a role personally approved by His Majesty King Charles III.

The iconic lock, the most capped player in rugby history with an extraordinary 170 Test appearances for Wales and the British & Irish Lions, now swaps the engine room for a ceremonial leadership position, continuing his influence away from the pitch.

Jones, who first captained Wales in the 2009 Six Nations clash against Italy, is one of only four players to be selected on four separate Lions tours, earning 12 Lions caps between 2009 and 2021.

Now, in his latest chapter, he will use that same world-class leadership to inspire soldiers across Wales.

In his new ceremonial role, the former Ospreys stalwart will act as a figurehead and ambassador, guiding and motivating both current and future members of The Royal Welsh.

He steps into the role following the departure of Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, who held the position with distinction for over a decade.

Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Chris Barry CBE, paid tribute to both men:

“I am proud to welcome Alun Wyn Jones to the Regimental family as the Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh – a position that has been personally approved by our Colonel in Chief, King Charles III.

“It is an honour for us to bring into the fold a true Welsh warrior, who has served and led the national rugby team of Wales and The British and Irish Lions and the most capped rugby player in history.

“We now look forward to building a long-lasting, two-way relationship between our 3rd Battalion and Alun Wyn Jones.

“The Regimental Headquarters, on behalf of all ranks of The Royal Welsh, would like to thank the outgoing Honorary Colonel of 3 Royal Welsh, Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, for more than 11 years of outstanding leadership and service to the Regimental family. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

EDITORS PICKS:

Nigel Owens Names Dream Team of Players He Refereed — With Just One England Star Included

Notably, a striking facet of Owens’ chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.

NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:

Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)

Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.

“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.

“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”

Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.

“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.

“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”

Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.

“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”

Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)

Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.

“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”

Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)

Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.

“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.

“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

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