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 \u2014 a role personally approved by His Majesty King Charles III.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Jones, who first captained Wales in the\u00a02009 Six Nations clash against Italy, is one of only\u00a0four players\u00a0to be selected on\u00a0four separate Lions tours, earning\u00a012 Lions caps between 2009 and 2021.<\/p>\n
Now, in his latest chapter, he will use that same world-class leadership to inspire soldiers across Wales.<\/p>\n
In his new ceremonial role, the former Ospreys stalwart will act as a\u00a0figurehead and ambassador, guiding and motivating both current and future members of The Royal Welsh.<\/p>\n
He steps into the role following the departure of\u00a0Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, who held the position with distinction for over a decade.<\/p>\n
Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Chris Barry CBE, paid tribute to both men:<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud to welcome Alun Wyn Jones to the Regimental family as the Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh \u2013 a position that has been personally approved by our Colonel in Chief, King Charles III.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe now look forward to building a long-lasting, two-way relationship between our 3rd Battalion and Alun Wyn Jones.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n
Nigel Owens Names Dream Team of Players He Refereed \u2014 With Just One England Star Included<\/p>\n
Notably, a striking facet of Owens\u2019 chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.<\/p>\n
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:<\/p>\n
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cFor me, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I go for Folau \u2013 only just, I should stress \u2013 because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He\u2019s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a toss of a coin for me\u2026 and it\u2019s come down in Folau\u2019s favour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cHow can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He\u2019s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you see who is on the other wing in my team, you\u2019ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outside-centre: Brian O\u2019Driscoll (Ireland)<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cNot only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he\u2019s a fantastic man off the field as well. O\u2019Driscoll 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cA legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside-centre: Ma\u2019a Nonu (New Zealand)<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cHe\u2019s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma\u2019a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we\u2019ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cWhen people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it\u2019s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I\u2019ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if I\u2019m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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.\u201d <\/p>\n
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