Wales star Alun Wyn Jones has admitted that he has hopes of making it to the British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa in 2021.
The towering second-row is considered to be one of the best in his position of all-time and if he were to make it to the tour he would be edging towards 35-years of age, and a fourth tour with the Lions. However, he is aware that he will need to be at the peak of his powers to be considered and is trying not to look too far ahead.
“I am not going to lie, I am aware it’s there, but it’s a two-pronged answer. You are never going to say never, but you don’t want to be too greedy as well. I am fully aware you have to be fit and playing well to be selected. If the planets align and I am potentially still there, then it’s somebody else’s decision. The losses still hurt but they inspire you to go on as well. It does spur you on and make you want to go again,” he said.
The lock appears to have turned back the years and seems to be playing his best rugby over the past year, having lead his side to a Six Nations Grand Slam and a fourth-place finish at the Rugby World Cup, as well as reaching the No 1 spot of the World Rugby rankings for the first time in the country’s history.
However, the man who has overseen his growth in the national side, Warren Gatland, has stepped aside as head coach following his 12-year stay, with Wayne Pivac coming in and Jones is excited by the prospect of the new era ahead.
“One of the highlights of the year was the Grand Slam, but you also look at the likes of Josh Adams, Aaron Wainwright, Tomos Williams and others. People have had opportunities and stood up. That’s probably as big as a Grand Slam and with a new coach, it’s exciting times. I’ve sat down with him (Pivac) on a few occasions,” he added.
Jones has confirmed that he will use his pain from losing out on the Rugby World Cup title to push on with his new head coach.
“We are carrying a bit of hurt from the World Cup. I am on a personal level because we went out there believing we could win it. Having had the Sunday morning after Grand Slams and Championships and winning trophies you want that. Warren was honest, consistent and essentially really proud of what he did and what he created with Wales. The phrase has been coined that it’s Wayne’s World now. Wayne is going to do it in his way but carry on with some of the foundations that have been laid,” he finished up.
Jones will be hoping to push on in the new year as Wales look to defend their Six Nations crown, while he will also continue his own individual push towards becoming the most-capped international player of all-time after going second this year.
If he can keep up his current form over the next 18-months, he will surely be in contention for the Lions and could even be named captain as he would be reunited with his old friend Gatland, who will coach the side for a third successive tour.
