22 December 2023 , 10:19
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Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones has revealed he has undergone surgery for a heart problem after stepping away from the game last month.
After 170 international caps and a professional career that spanned 19 years, the legendary second row retired in November as he was given a standing ovation with club side Toulon.
He did not explain the reasons for his decision at the time but in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Wyn Jones conceded neither he or his family would be able to "move forward" unless he answered what were becoming increasing difficult questions.
“I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation,” he revealed. “It was discovered when I underwent a full medical check, which included an ECG test, when I joined Toulon in July on a short-term contract as cover during the World Cup. The cardiac doctor picked it up straight away. My heartbeat was like a galloping horse with six legs."
During his illustrious career, that yielded three Grand Slams with Wales and a series win with the Lions in 2013, Jones was lauded by supporters for his Lazarus like recoveries from injuries. Most famously, in 2021 he contradicted all logic by sustaining a dislocated shoulder in the Lions warm-up match against Japan, and yet recovered in time to captain them in a series against South Africa.
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He now attributes his heart issues on the frequent battle to overcome injuries, not to mention the immense physical schedule that Wyn Jones endured for club and country.
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“The things that bring it on for someone my age is likely to be cardiovascular exercise and stress, it occurs in sports like rowing and endurance sports, but it was a shock because throughout my career I have always prided myself on my fitness," he continued. "I have always been so committed to doing extras after matches, constantly working on my fitness and recovery from injuries.”
Despite knowing a procedure was due, Wyn Jones opted to play in a farewell game for Toulon and for the Barbarians against Wales, a clash that signalled his final bow at the Principality Stadium. But he insists those cameos only came after consulting doctors and his wife, Answen.
“It might seem a selfish decision given that I have three young daughters, but I needed to take the opportunity," he said. "It was only going to be for four months, and it gave me an opportunity to experience and get perspective on my career and life.”