Warren Gatland has applauded the leadership qualities of his first Wales captain, Ryan Jones, who has announced his retirement as a player at the age of 34 after a shoulder injury he suffered playing for Bristol during last season’s promotion play-off against Worcester.
Jones led Wales to the grand slam in 2008, Gatland’s first campaign in charge, and was the side’s captain in 33 of his 75 Test matches. He toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2005, replacing Simon Taylor at the start of the trip, and was one of the few players to return home with his reputation enhanced.
He missed out on the original Lions selection again in 2009 only to be called up as a replacement. When he arrived in Cape Town having been concussed playing for Wales in the United States, he was deemed to be unfit to play and was flying home within 48 hours of his arrival.
Jones won the grand slam with Wales in 2005, 2008 and 2012, one of a select band of three players to achieve the feat, and was part of the 2013 title winning squad. His last appearance for his country was against Tonga two years ago.
“Ryan’s career speaks for itself and what he achieved was huge,” said the Wales head coach Gatland. “His pride and dedication for the game and his country shone through and he was a truly great leader. He led from the front and was a role model on and off the pitch. It is disappointing that he has announced his retirement but he can look back on his career with pride and I am sure he will succeed in the next chapter of his life.”
Jones was dropped as Wales captain in the autumn of 2010 after a home draw with Fiji, one year before the World Cup, but he never let the disappointment show, and at a time when some were preparing his international obituary he went on to play some of his best rugby, with his leadership essential to the 2013 Six Nations title after an opening-round loss at home to Ireland, captaining the side to victory in the absence of Sam Warburton in France, Italy and Scotland.
“Rugby is all I have ever known as employment, a hobby and a passion,” said Jones. “Rugby is part of what I am and it defines me. It was an emotionally tough decision to retire and one I did not take lightly, but you have to listen to your body.
“I have had a wonderful career. If someone had offered it to me 15 years ago I would have taken it at the drop of a hat. I have met some fantastic people and been part of some great clubs: the highlights include three grand slams and four league titles with Ospreys. What will haunt me is not helping Bristol achieve their dream of returning to the Premiership, but the club is in good hands and that will come.
“I look forward to enjoying the World Cup as a Welsh supporter, knowing from my own personal experiences in 2011 that it is the biggest spectacle in the sport.”
