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Legendary Welsh rugby star Alun Wyn Jones has confirmed his retirement after a career spanning the best part of two decades.

The 38-year-old started his professional career as a teenager, and bows out as Wales’ most capped player in the country’s rugby union history. He called time on his international career before the 2023 World Cup, but has now called it quits for good.

Announcing his decision in a post on social media, Jones confirmed Toulon’s match against ASM Clermont Auvergne was his last as a professional. The French team, who he joined on a short-term deal after spending the bulk of his career with Ospreys, gave him a winning send-off.

“As a boy I dreamed of playing the game I love professionally, I lived that dream and today was my last game,” the veteran wrote. “ASM 27 v RCT 30. Thank you. Merci. Diolch. Ps Dad you were here for it all!!!”

Jones’ father, Tim, died in 2016 after a long illness. Tim was a constant presence in the first half of his son’s career, and the Wales star’s comments upon retiring speak to that fact.

Jones’ club, Toulon, were among the first to pay tribute. They responded to his post with the simple comment “King Jones,” while others shared tributes of their own.

“One of the most dominating captains welsh rugby has ever seen!” read one comment. “You’ll be missed AWJ.”

“Absolute legend, massive congratulations on an incredible career,” was the verdict from a second fan. “Time for a congratulatory cold beer to celebrate an amazing career,” wrote a third.

“You are truly like someone from a bygone age, totally woven into Welsh history. Thank you for everything,” a fourth fan wrote. Alongside Jones’ announcement, he shared his jersey, with a number five on the back, and a literal hanging up of his boots.