Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric BOTH announce their Wales retirements months before the World Cup

Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric added two more seismic blows to the most tumultuous season in Welsh rugby history when they shockingly announced their immediate international retirement on Friday.

Jones has finally ended any player’s best Test career to wear the red of Wales. Only the great Sir Gareth Edwards can rival him for that honour.

The 37-year-old forward’s current status as the most capped international of all time is unlikely to be beaten. He retires with a total of 170 international matches to his name, of which 158 with Wales and 12 with the British & Irish Lions. Still, the timing of his and Tipuric’s decisions is strange.

Mail Sport understands the predicament of rugby in Wales – which has been hit hard by controversy on and off the pitch this season – and doubts about whether they will make it to the World Cup in just four months has contributed to both players quitting the eve of the global showpiece.

Jones and Tipuric were both included in an extensive training squad in Wales ahead of the World Cup early this month, but neither will now travel to the tournament in France.

Justin Tipuric has also decided to leave just four months before the World Cup starts

“After being selected in this year’s provisional World Cup squad and following ongoing dialogue with the coaching staff and the WRU, I have decided to step away from the international game,” said Jones. ‘After 17 years I look back on special memories with Welsh greats and future Welsh greats. ‘My grandfather and father both nurtured my passion for rugby from a young age, and it has continued throughout.

“The chance to turn pro in the sport I love was a dream come true. “To represent my home region, the Ospreys, and clubs in the region, namely Mumbles and in particular Bonymaen who guided me through my favorite years, has been extraordinary and something for which I am extremely grateful. A huge thank you to the staff and players who have been a part of my journey.

“To the people closest to me, my family, I couldn’t have done it without you. Through injury, loss and success, you have always been there and will be there for whatever comes next.

“Despite all I’ve accomplished, my children will always be my greatest achievement.”

Jones made his Welsh debut in 2006. His longevity in the second row – one of Test rugby’s most brutally demanding positions – is remarkable. A phenomenal player with an intense distaste for the media, it was fitting that Jones made his announcement late on a Friday afternoon and on social media from which he had already blocked some of his closest press opponents.

Jones won five Six Nations titles with Wales, three grand slams and traveled to four World Cups, although he will not reach a fifth.

While confirming he will no longer play for Wales, Jones’ statement did not mention whether or not he would continue in domestic rugby. He was a one-club man at Swansea-based Ospreys, but his contract there was set to expire at the end of the World Cup.

It is likely he will end his career with the Barbarians, first against the World XV at Twickenham on Sunday for a week and then against Swansea at St Helens on May 31.

Wyn Jones is the world’s most capped union player after making 158 appearances for Wales

“I would like to congratulate Al on a phenomenal international career,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland. “His leadership, dedication and determination are second to none and he has been an incredibly special player for Wales over the past 17 years.

“I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him at Wales and the Lions.

“Al’s passion and commitment to his country are boundless. He and his family can be immensely proud of all he has achieved and knowing that he is leaving a lasting legacy in Welsh rugby.”

Mail Sport understands that Welsh senior management were unaware of Jones and Tipuric’s announcements, with the latter notifying Gatland until Friday afternoon.

Tipuric, an excellent flanker who won 93 caps for Wales, will continue to play with the Ospreys. He won the Six Nations with Wales in 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2021.

While there were doubts that Jones would become a key player in France, Tipuric was expected to be a regular at the World Cup. The 33-year-old leaves a big void with Thomas Young potentially being called up to replace him, although Gatland has been blessed with open flankers in the form of Tommy Reffell and Jac Morgan.

The 37-year-old helped Wales win the Six Nations five times in his career

The 2022/23 Welsh rugby season has been nothing short of chaotic. It included Gatland’s return as head coach following the sacking of Wayne Pivac, the resignation of the general manager of the Welsh Rugby Union, a sexism and misogyny scandal and a threat of a players’ strike among several other burning issues. The unforeseen retirement of Jones and Tipuric has only added to that sense of disarray. Gatland faces a huge task in keeping the ship stable this summer.

“It was a privilege to pull on the Wales jersey and have so many fond memories,” Tipuric said in a calm statement that summed up his down-to-earth ethos. “I would like to thank all the players and coaches I have had the pleasure of working with over the years and the great support I have received from the Welsh public.

“I look forward to spending more time at home and putting all my energy into playing for my home region, the Ospreys.”