Wales great Alun Wyn Jones ‘forever grateful’ after heart condition diagnosis

Former Wales captain and second-row Alun Wyn Jones has revealed that he was diagnosed with a heart condition towards the end of his career as a professional player.

Jones has made the most appearances in international rugby after representing Wales in 158 Tests and the British & Irish Lions in 12.

Retired in November

He retired from Test rugby in May before calling time on his career in November in a match for the Barbarians against Wales in Cardiff, after he had a short stint with Top 14 outfit Toulon during the recent Rugby World Cup in France.

“I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. 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,” Jones told The Telegraph.

“The cardiac doctor picked it up straight away. My heartbeat was like a galloping horse with six legs. It was all over the shop.

“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.

“I have always been so committed to doing extras after matches, constantly working on my fitness and recovery from injuries.”

The 38-year-old, had a stellar career which started at Swansea in 2004 before spending 18 years at the Ospreys, had an operation last month to fix the heart condition.

Despite being aware of the condition, Jones acted on medical advice, and spoke to his family about the situation. He continued to play for Toulon from July to November.

Calls for more heart screenings

He now hopes more sportspeople have heart screenings, so they can discover any problems.

“There is a lot of talk about welfare in rugby at the minute, but does that cover everything?” asked Jones.

“Is it just things that we can afford? Surely the sport has come on to the point where players should be screened more often, especially at a time when the demands in the game are growing.

“I was very lucky how it worked out and will forever be grateful to Toulon for signing me. Had they not offered me a contract, I may never have known about the heart condition.”

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