Welsh fans expect Alun Wyn Jones to make lucrative move as speculation mounts

With Wales’ Grand Slam winning captain Alun Wyn Jones’ dual contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys set to expire at the end of the season, fans are speculating his next move on social media.

The 33-year-old has been with the Ospreys for the entirety of his career so far, and has not opted for a more lucrative contract in France or England that some of him compatriots have done over the years. However, many Welsh fans feel that the 125-cap lock deserves a move away in the final years of his career.

With Warren Gatland set to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2021 in South Africa, Jones is the favourite to lead the team in what would be his fourth tour, which is why some feel he may stay in Wales. However, as he has over 60 caps for his country, that would not rule him out of national selection if he were to move after the World Cup.

A rugby career is only a finite amount of time, and the Welsh fans understand that it is in his interests financially to make a move away from the Liberty Stadium, as many of Europe’s elite clubs will be after the Six Nations Player of the Championship.

Furthermore, fans of various clubs across England have started speculating a move for Jones across the Severn.
This is what the fans are saying:

If I was him I would look after the interest of his family and his future and have a couple of years earning a big salary at a big European club. After all the effort he has given to his Welsh shirt I doubt anyone in Wales would begrudge him leaving.

— Marc Davies (@MarcDav403572) June 4, 2019

https://twitter.com/Josephconway8/status/1135630059081994241?s=20

https://twitter.com/jonnymango95/status/1135625992242913281?s=20

https://twitter.com/JanScott123/status/1135654645194526721?s=20

I think he'd go to England (or France, but can't see it) for the payday, yes.

And the big middle finger to everyone who'll tell him that "his body's too old for week in, week out rugby".

I'd love to see him in the Prem.

— Ben Owen John (@BenOwenJohn) June 3, 2019

Go to France for silly money and live by the sea. He deserves it.

— Tim Morgan (@TeddyLendyWendy) June 3, 2019

Head over to France in the sun and pick up some decent ?

— Michael Rees (@MikeRees27) June 3, 2019

I would take one of the many lucrative offers he’s bound to be offered in England or France. He deserves a big pay day.

— Ian Williams (@IanRedeyes) June 4, 2019

Deserves a big move to France. Done it all in #cymru #welshlegend

— Huw Evans ????????? (@EvsNo8) June 3, 2019

Alun wyn jones needs a new challenge before it’s to late! You got one of the best locks in world ? rugby playing in a Mickey Mouse league?

— nigel (@Adamsul57084797) June 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/chris_jones41/status/1135672414724132864?s=20

Any team in the World would benefit from having AWJ in the car park, let alone as part of a club!! He deserves a good financial return for all the experience, sacrifice & commitment over the years. Let the bidding commence (probably beginning in French!) 😉

— Gerwyn Williams (@GerwynWilliams) June 3, 2019

After losing former Wallabies skipper James Horwill this season, Harlequins fans are calling for Jones to make the move to south west London after the World Cup, as he could be one of the two players outside of the salary cap.

Ultimately, being the servant that he is to Welsh rugby, Jones would only make the move away if he was offered a significant salary rise. Unfortunately for the Ospreys, the majority of clubs in Europe, or even Japan, would be willing to meet the demands of one of the best players on the planet currently.

You may also like: Italy plays host to Jim in the latest episode of our Rugby Explorer series