Alun Wyn Jones Reflects on Wales' Rugby Struggles and Mended Fences with Joe Marler
Former Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones has opened up about the national team's dismal performance in the Six Nations, while revealing he has finally buried the hatchet with ex-England prop Joe Marler, six years after a notorious on-field incident where Marler grabbed his genitals. Speaking exclusively after Wales suffered a crushing 12-54 defeat to France on Sunday, Jones expressed concern over the team's current form, which includes a 7-48 loss to England earlier in the tournament.
Wales' Bleak Six Nations Outlook
Jones, 40, who captained Wales to Grand Slam victories in 2008, 2012, and 2019, did not mince words about the squad's struggles. "I think they're old enough, big enough and experienced enough to not want people to defend their performances at the minute," he stated. The latest defeat marks a prolonged home win drought for Wales, with their last Six Nations victory at home dating back to February 2022 against Scotland. Jones emphasized that "performance comes before results" and acknowledged that improvements are needed across the board, though he remains a steadfast supporter, saying, "As a Welshman, I'll continue to believe in the team."
Reconciliation with Joe Marler
The rivalry between Jones and Marler has been a headline-grabbing saga since their 2020 scuffle, which resulted in a 10-week suspension for Marler. As recently as last month, Marler, 35, called Jones "massively overrated," but Jones insists their banter is now good-natured. The pair have been working together on a marketing campaign, with Jones revealing, "We've been working together. We're cracking on!" He also joked about Marler's appearance on Celebrity Traitors, where Marler came fourth as a Faithful, saying with a wry smile, "I don't think I would be good on Celeb Traitors. I'm not a very good liar, I think I'm too authentic."
Life Beyond Rugby: Health and Family
Since retiring from international rugby in 2023, Jones has faced personal challenges, including a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition discovered during a routine ECG test after he signed a short-term contract with French team Toulon. The condition increases stroke risk and can lead to heart failure, but Jones caught it early and is not on medication. He shared, "I'm still here and not on medication because I caught it early... It was a general kick up the backside." He now uses a mini ECG to monitor his health and emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups.
Jones, who holds a law degree from Swansea University, is married to Anwen Jones, 34, a lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, and they have three daughters. He works one day a week as a strategic advisor at Swansea University's National Institute of Sport and Health. Reflecting on fatherhood, he said retiring has made him a better dad, noting, "For eight years of my eldest's existence, I was away for 67% of the time." He added that he aims to be a supportive parent, not a competitive one, and values happiness over fame or fortune.
Honours and Future Outlook
Jones, awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to rugby and recently named Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh by King Charles III, remains optimistic about his future. Despite reaching the final three on Celebrity Masterchef last year, he humorously admitted he hasn't cooked at that level since due to "PTSD" from the show and lack of equipment. He concluded, "I want to be happy, it's as simple as that... If I get 20 years down the line and my kids want to come home and spend time with me then I know I've done something right."
