Wales Vs Barbarians: Rugby fans wave goodbye to some sporting legends
The world's most capped player Alun Wyn Jones plays at the Principality for the final time
Last updated 4th Nov 2023
This afternoon the Barbarians take on Wales in Cardiff but it’s bittersweet for fans who wave goodbye to three sporting legends.
Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Leigh Halfpenny will retire from the international game after today’s match, with Jones and Tipuric playing for the Barbarians and Halfpenny donning his Wales shirt for the final time.
It’s a long history in Wales for these three men – with 352 Wales caps between them.
And the numbers are particularly staggering for Alun Wyn Jones, the most capped player in the world with 170 internationals, 158 for Wales and 12 Tests for the Lions.
Warren Gatland has described him as the greatest second row that has taken the field for Wales.
"It is going to be emotional,” he said in a statement, “it's been a long time coming. I've been chasing an egg for a long time, so to have the last one in the stadium is going to be special.
"In any walk of life, all good things come to an end. When and where isn't always on your terms, whether it's injury, selection or whatever.
"So to be able to do it at home against Wales for the Barbarians - it's not a Heineken Cup final or a World Cup final - but the emotive elements for me personally are plain to see."
Since his debut in 2008, Halfpenny has earned 101 caps for Wales.
“The decision hasn’t been easy,” he said in a statement, “but the time feels right for me now and I look forward to running out one last time against the Barbarians next week at home.
“It’s been such a huge honour and privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and represent my country over the past 15 years.”
And finally, Tipuric, with 93 caps over 13 years, bows out from the international game later.
“It’s been such a huge honour and privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and represent my country over the past 15 years.
“It was a dream as a kid growing up and playing for Gorseinon to one day play for Wales and I’ve made the most incredible memories.”
Tipuric will now play for the Ospreys, in his home region.
It will be an emotional game for many fans in Cardiff this afternoon.
Kick off is at 2:30pm.