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Ben James

Alun Wyn Jones to play in Swansea next week in historic match

Alun Wyn Jones will take on former club Swansea next week for the Barbarians in what could feasibly be his last game of rugby.

Test rugby's most-capped player called time on his Welsh career last week, announcing his shock retirement four months out from the 2023 World Cup in France.

He made no mention of what was next on the club front when announcing his retirement, but it seems likely he won't pull on an Ospreys jersey again.

Were he not to seek a contract elsewhere, then the clash at St Helen's on May 31 against his first senior side would be as good a place as any to finish.

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Swansea take on the Baa-Baas for the first time in almost 30 years to mark the end of their 150th season.

Jones, who will also feature for the Barbarians this weekend against a World XV at Twickenham, is obviously the biggest draw, but the Baa-Baas are able to call upon some other top talent as well.

Dan Lydiate, fresh from making Warren Gatland's World Cup training squad, is set to be involved, as is another Wales international, Bradley Davies.

Two former Cardiff players, Olly Robinson and Rey Lee-Lo, have also been named in the squad, as have Tonga's Sione Vailanu and Scottish duo Oli Kebble and Damien Hoyland.

Former Cardiff coach John Mulvihill will take charge of the Barbarians side, having taken charge of the famous invitational club in the past.

He told Swansea's website: “I am honoured to come to Swansea as Head Coach of the Barbarians and am bringing an international squad to embrace the rugby challenge and culture of Swansea RFC.

"The Barbarians are really excited about renewing our friendly rivalry with the All Whites of Swansea. To be able to bring a squad back to such an iconic ground in St Helen’s to mark such a special anniversary for the club is a huge honour.

"As you can see, we are respecting the fixture with a squad packed with internationals and of course, one of Swansea RFC’s favourite sons, Alun-Wyn Jones.

"I understand that the teams started playing against each other in 1901 and have played against each other over 80 times with a pretty equal wins for and against record. We last played in 1994 and with Swansea having always been known for their fast flowing rugby, and St Helen’s having such a famously good surface, I’m sure the match will be a fantastic spectacle.”

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The real Alun Wyn Jones, personal tales from the men who've known the Wales and Lions colossus best

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