By David Williams
Alun Wyn Jones can help toughen up the Toulon dressing room, insists the French club’s director of rugby, Pierre Mignoni.
The former Ospreys and Wales legend has joined Toulon on a short-term contract.
Jones, who left the Ospreys earlier this summer, has signed for the French club as a “medical joker” for the duration of this year’s World Cup.
“We are delighted and honoured to welcome a legendary player like Alun Wyn Jones to Toulon,” said Mignoni.
“His career demonstrates the immense talent of this player. His experience and his mental and physical strength will add to the locker room and to his team-mates.”
Jones, 37, announced his international retirement in May as the most-capped player in world rugby.
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Le deuxième ligne gallois, Alun Wyn Jones, s’engage avec le RCT en qualité de joker Coupe du Monde
Welcome @AlunWynJones
— RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) July 7, 2023
The second-row forward, who had been named in Wales’ preliminary World Cup squad, has played a world-record 170 Test matches – 158 for Wales and 12 for the Lions.
Jones ended his 17-year stay at the Ospreys in June.
He has initially signed a short-term Toulon deal to cover squad absences as the domestic Top 14 season starts in mid-August before resuming after the World Cup in the final week of October.
Elsewhere, Luke Cowan-Dickie says he was ready for change after completing his move from Exeter to Sale.
BREAKING: Alun Wyn Jones signs for Toulon as European giants announce World Cup signinghttps://t.co/Dm82Hhb3Rr pic.twitter.com/PhXKUizYgQ
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) July 7, 2023
The 30-year-old England and British and Irish Lions hooker will join up with the Sharks immediately after injury ruled him out of this autumn’s World Cup.
“I’ve been at the same club for 13 years and I felt it was time for a change,” Cowan-Dickie said.
“This is the perfect move for me and I can’t wait to get started.
“I know Jonny (Hill) and Tom (O’Flaherty) from Exeter and they have raved about this club since they came up here.
“They have told me how good the environment, the lads and the coaching team are so it was an easy decision.
“It’s been a long journey trying to get fit and not knowing where I’d be playing but I can already see myself being here for a long time.
“This team reached the (Gallagher Premiership) final last year and speaking to the boys here, they all want to go one better.
“I want to win and I’m confident we can have a successful year.”
ALUN WYN JONES YN SYMUD I TOULON!
Cyn-gapten Cymru, Alun Wyn Jones yn ymuno â Dan Biggar yn Toulon.
Wales’ most capped rugby player, Alun Wyn Jones has joined French side, Toulon. pic.twitter.com/Vy4fm9lou1
— S4C Chwaraeon (@S4Cchwaraeon) July 7, 2023
Read more about Alun Wyn Jones
No More Wales And No More Ospreys For Alun Wyn Jones . . . But It May Not Be The End