Alun Wyn Jones Pulls Out Of Wales Squad Due To Devastating Personal Reasons

Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones has withdrawn from their clash with Australia on Saturday following the death of his father.

His father, a former rugby player with Swansea and hugely popular figure in Wales, Tim Jones, had been ill for some time.

The WRU said in a statement:

“The thoughts and prayers of the WRU and the National Squad are with Alun Wyn Jones & his family following the passing of his father Tim.

“Due to this, Alun Wyn will not be considered for selection this weekend.”

Swansea chairman Terry Morgan said:

“Tim and I played together from the late ‘sixties toward the end of my playing days, and he was an ever present personality with the All Whites Former Players’ Association from is inception in 1981, around the time he finished playing.

“He is remembered for his dry wit and sense of fun as well as the enormous support he unassumingly gave behind the scenes to Swansea Rugby Club from his experience in the legal world. He had been ill for some time but never complained. His footprint on the club is, like his father Ken – a great supporter, and his son Alun Wyn Jones, indelible. We will miss him.”

“The thoughts of all at St Helen’s are with his wife Anne, son Alun Wyn and daughter Lowrie at this especially difficult time. A minute silence will be observed before kick-off when Ebbw Vale visit St Helen’s on Thursday.”

Jones was in-line to captain Wales in their opening autumn international Test against the Wallabies at the Principality Stadium on Saturday in the absence of Sam Warburton.