Alun Wyn Jones, the legendary Wales and British & Irish Lions player, will bid farewell to his professional rugby career this Saturday as his team Toulon takes on Clermont. With the most international caps in history, Jones announced his retirement from international rugby before the 2023 Rugby World Cup and signed a short-term contract with Toulon.
Jones, who recently played for the Barbarians in a match against Wales, expresses gratitude towards Toulon and acknowledges that he never expected to end his career at the club. He is thankful for the warm welcome he has received from the fans and the city of Toulon during his four-month tenure. Although he recognizes that his impact may not match that of other foreign players, Jones aims to end his playing career on a high note by securing a victory in his final game.
In his last match, Jones will be joined by England international David Ribbans in the pack. The front-row consists of Dany Priso, Christopher Tolofua, and Beka Gigashvili, with Selevasio Tolofua, Jules Coulon, and Matteo Le Corvec forming the back-row. Scrum-half Ben White from Scotland and Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio, who is also playing his final game for Toulon, will direct the team's play. The starting centres are Maelan Rabut and Seta Tuicuvu, while Marius Domon takes the full-back position, with Gael Drean and Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.
On the opposing side, Clermont lines up with Alex Newsome, Baptiste Delguy, Julien Hériteau, George Moala, Alivereti Raka, Ben Urdapilleta, and Sebastien Bezy as key players. The team is backed by Fritz Lee, Marcos Kremer, and Peceli Yato in the forward pack, supported by Thibaud Lanen and Rob Simmons in the second-row. The front-row features Rabah Slimani, Folau Fainga'a, and Etienne Falgoux.
The match is set to take place at Stade Marcel Michelin, with a kick-off time of 17:00 local (16:00 GMT). Referee Benoit Rousselet will oversee the game, with Ludovic Cayre and Christian Coussan serving as assistant referees, and Patrick Pechambert as the TMO.
In this final chapter of Alun Wyn Jones' illustrious career, he hopes to leave a lasting impression on Toulon and its supporters. As he bids farewell to professional rugby, fans and fellow players alike will pay tribute to his remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.
