Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones appointed Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh

King Charles has approved the appointment of former Welsh rugby star Alun Wyn Jones as Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion the Royal Welsh.

Alun Wyn is the most capped rugby player in history having played for Wales 158 times and 12 times for the British and Irish Lions including captaining the side on their previous tour to South Africa in 2021.

Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Chris Barry, said: "It is an honour for us to bring into the fold a true Welsh warrior who has served and led the national rugby team of Wales and the British and Irish Lions and the most capped rugby player in history."

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He replaces Brigadier Russ Wardle, the former head of the Army in Wales, in the role and will serve as an ambassador for Wales.

Maj Gen Barry said: "The Regimental Headquarters, on behalf of all ranks of The Royal Welsh, would like to thank the outgoing Honorary Colonel of 3 Royal Welsh, Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, for more than 11 years of outstanding leadership and service to the regimental family. We wish him all the very best for the future."

Alun Wyn will wear military uniform in the role and is humbled to be appointed, saying: "Having played in our great stadium and seeing the men and women in uniform holding our national flag, it was always a significant and poignant symbol of the history and connection to the military in Wales.

"There was also the iconic Royal Welsh Band serving to provide acoustics in the stadium, which is something that I enjoyed as much as a player as I continue to do now as a fan. 

"My apprehension was borne out of the responsibility felt while wearing the red jersey and all that comes with representing our nation. Learning more about the history of The Royal Welsh, particularly Sir Tasker Watkins, who served in the Welsh Regiment and his heroism and commitment to Wales and Welsh rugby, made it something I couldn’t turn down.

"I’m looking forward to learning more about 3 Royal Welsh and also share my experience of leadership in sport and the experience of leaving one career and moving into another.

"The fact that personnel serving with 3rd Battalion also have day jobs also sparked an awareness that reservists are all around us in civilian life.   "Yes, the uniform I'll wear in this role will be very different to what I'm used to, but one I will be equally proud to wear as any jersey in my playing career and represent 3 Royal Welsh and Wales."