The Ospreys are proud to congratulate and celebrate Alun Wyn Jones being awarded the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s birthday honours list for 2020.
The Wales captain and Ospreys legend has been recognized for his services to Rugby Union Football in Wales, Swansea and South Glamorgan.
The citation sent out by Her Majesty the Queen and Buckingham Palace reads: Alun Wyn Jones. For services to Rugby Union Football in Wales (Swansea, South Glamorgan).
The Queen's Birthday Honours list is traditionally published in June, but was delayed to allow nominations for frontline workers who played crucial roles in the first months of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Alun Wyn Jones, OBE, said:
"It is a huge honour to receive such an accolade,"
"It is recognition for everyone that has supported me from grassroots and intermediate, to professional and international rugby.
"It is for my family, those who aren't here anymore and those who are still here and fully behind me and for all their support in what I have done and what I want to continue to do."
Jones played for Bonymaen RFC, before he played for Swansea RFC and then made his Ospreys debut in 2005 and has made 243 appearances and counting for the region.
The second row has been capped 138 times for Wales and has made nine consecutive Test match appearances for the British and Irish Lions.
Toby Booth, Ospreys Head Coach, said:
“A fantastic recognition for someone whom has poured everything he has into representing his family, his region and his country relentlessly. This is the acknowledgment for what people throughout the globe have witnessed on and off the field for a long time.
“On my arrival at the Ospreys it was so evident why AWJ has become such an iconic rugby player and leader.
“His own standards and motivations are unbelievably high and consistent. He also demands the same from all around him, on and off the field.
“In saying that his passion for his family, the region and the country are clear for all to see. He happily drives his own ambitions and standards whilst carrying the expectations and hopes of all.
“A fully deserved recognition for a man who gives everything for everyone every time.
“As you can see from his own statement he is very quick to acknowledge everyone who has helped him and his mindful and humble reaction to an unbelievably prestigious honour shows what truly lies within him and drives his performance on and off the pitch.”
Andrew Millward, Ospreys Managing Director, said:
“Alun Wyn is an Ospreys legend and fully deserves this honour and recognition. He is a one-club man and his commitment to the region and Wales has been second to none.
“All of us at the Ospreys are proud to see someone who started at Bonymaen RFC and then Swansea RFC before graduating to the Ospreys Academy, through to the senior side, the national side and play for the British and Irish Lions being recognised with this accolade.”
Alun Wyn Jones
Born: Swansea 19/09/1985
Ospreys fact file
Appearances: 243
Debut: 04/09/2005 aged 19 yrs 11 mths 16 days
Tries: 25