Alun Wyn Jones, the Welsh rugby legend, recently reflected on his illustrious career by revealing the top three second-row opponents he faced throughout his remarkable journey.

During the game, Jones, now the most capped player in rugby history, was celebrated by both teams as he left the field after 66 minutes. However, in a surprising twist, he made a brief reappearance as a replacement for the final two minutes, playing a crucial role in setting up the winning try.

Having retired from international rugby in May after earning 158 caps for Wales, Jones joined Toulon in July as injury cover for the World Cup.

In addition to his impressive on-field achievements, the ex-British & Irish Lions lock shared his star-studded list of the three toughest second-row opponents he encountered during his extraordinary career.

ALUN WYN JONES: TOUGHEST OPPONENT

#1. Paul O’Connell

• Born October 20, 1979, Limerick
• Major teams British and Irish Lions, Munster, Ireland
• Caps 115
• Position Lock

Irish rugby icon, Paul O’Connell, is celebrated for his exceptional leadership and prowess as a lock. A stalwart of Munster and the Irish national team, O’Connell’s career highlights include Six Nations triumphs and Lions tours, solidifying his status as one of the game’s great leaders.

Alun Wyn Jones said: “We got to know each other very well as team-mates with the Lions and opponents for our clubs and countries. You cannot shy away from how effective the guy was in his position.”

Did you know? O’Connell initially excelled at swimming and only started playing rugby at the age of 16

#2. Bakkies Botha

• Born September 22, 1979, Newcastle, Natal
• Major teams Barbarians, Blue Bulls, Bulls, South Africa A, Toulon, South Africa
• Position Lock

Renowned South African rugby legend, Bakkies Botha, is a formidable force known for his powerful presence on the field. With a career spanning over a decade, the towering lock forward has left an indelible mark with his ferocious tackles and relentless work ethic.

Jones said: “He revelled in it didn’t he. Physically he has to be up there. Let’s just say he was able to keep the tradition going of the hardest of South African second rows.”

Did you know? Botha is the only player in the history of rugby union to date to have won a hat trick of Super Rugby and European rugby titles

#3. Justin Harrison

• Born April 20, 1974, Sydney, NSW
• Major teams Australia A, Barbarians, Bath Rugby, Brumbies, New South Wales Waratahs, Ulster, Australia
• Caps 34
• Position Lock

Australian rugby personality Justin Harrison is remembered for his tenacity as a lock forward. A key figure in the Wallabies and Brumbies, Harrison’s career featured memorable performances, including his role in Australia’s 2001 Lions series victory.

Post-retirement, he transitioned to coaching, contributing to the sport’s development.

Jones said: “Away from the physical side, banter-wise it would have to be Aussie lock Justin Harrison. He was interesting to play against to say the least.”

Did you know? He is currently the head of the Australian Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA)

Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions 

From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.

2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker

Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.

Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.

However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.

WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES

• 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
• 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
• 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
• 4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
• 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
• 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
• 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
• Additional events to be announced

The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.

2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck

Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions’ Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray’s elbow and fracturing his eye socket.

While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg’s Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.

2013 tour: Tom Court – The holiday call-up

If there was ever a Lions selection that left fans scratching their heads, it was Tom Court in 2013. The Ireland prop wasn’t even in the original squad – he was on holiday with his family when he got the call-up.

Thrown into the squad late, Court was never going to be a game-changer. He did manage to hold his own in the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels, but his inclusion remains one of the strangest in Lions history.

2009 tour: Alun Wyn Jones – A rare disaster for the legend

Alun Wyn Jones is a Lions legend – but his 2009 tour was anything but legendary. A young second-row at the time, he struggled against the formidable Springbok pack, leading Bleacher Report to rate his performances a dismal 4/10.

Jones was criticised for losing the ball in contact, looking out of his depth, and failing to impose himself physically. At times, he even looked “terrified” according to some reports. It was a rocky start to a Lions career that would later see him become one of the most respected captains in history.

2005 tour: Andy Titterrell – The most questionable selection?

The 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster, and some of the squad selections did little to help. Among the most baffling was Sale Sharks hooker Andy Titterrell, who had just two England caps to his name.

Sir Clive Woodward’s decision to take a bloated 44-man squad led to several left-field inclusions, but Titterrell stood out as particularly bizarre. Lacking the physicality and technical ability required at this level, he made little impact and was quickly forgotten.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2

If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.

From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.