Welsh rugby legend, Alun Wyn Jones, was born in Abertawe (Swansea) on 19 September in 1985. The big 40!
Here are some facts about the man known as “AWJ”.
Between 2006 and 2023, Alun Wyn Jones made 158 appearances for the Welsh national side. This makes him not only the most capped Welsh rugby union player ever, but the most capped rugby union player in history.
AWJ also made the most appearances for the national team as captain. Though he officially succeeded Sam Warburton as captain in 2017, he did also briefly captain the side in 2014.
He had an incredible 18 year run with the Ospreys, winning the Celtic League/Pro12 in 2006–07, 2009–10, 2011–12; the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007–08 and the Welsh Shield in 2021-22.
For the national team, he won the Six Nations Championship five times: in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2021. ’08, ’12 and ’19 were Grand Slams, with ’21 being a Triple Crown.
He is also a four-time British & Irish Lions tourist.
Here are some more Welsh rugby legends that we have been talking about: Ray Gravell; Desmon Llewelyn; and Billy Boston. We also can’t forget Nelson Mandela’s visit to Cymru and his boycott of apartheid rugby in 1989
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DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – September 2025
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.

