AFP
Fri, 22 December 2023
Alun Wyn Jones made a record 170 Test appearances (Geoff Caddick)
Retired Wales rugby great Alun Wyn Jones has revealed he was diagnosed with a heart condition towards the end of his career and has called for better screening for players.
The 38-year-old, rugby's most-capped international, told the Telegraph he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation while he was at French Top 14 side Toulon.
The ex-Wales and British and Irish Lions forward's career ended at the French side last month. He played a total of 170 internationals.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.
"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," he said.
"The cardiac doctor picked it up straight away. My heartbeat was like a galloping horse with six legs. It was all over the shop."
Warren Gatland named Jones in his preliminary Wales squad for the 2023 World Cup in France, held in September and October, but he opted to retire from internationals in May.
Jones said it was vital to boost screening.
"There is a lot of talk about welfare in rugby at the minute but does that cover everything?" he said.
"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.
Jones said he took a "risk" in deciding to play in France.
"It might seem a selfish decision given that I have three young daughters, but I needed to take the opportunity," he said.
"It was only going to be for four months, and it gave me an opportunity to experience and get perspective on my career and life."
Jones underwent surgery to correct the condition last month, shortly after finishing his playing career.
Alun Wyn Jones: Former Wales rugby captain calls for more screenings for players after heart issue diagnosed
Sky News
Updated Fri, 22 December 2023
A former Wales rugby captain has urged the sport to offer heart screenings for players, after he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation during a medical check.
Alun Wyn Jones, 38, said it was picked up in the summer by a club doctor at French side Toulon, where he ended his playing career last month.
Jones said he would be forever grateful to Toulon, adding: "Had they not offered me a contract, I may never have known about the heart condition."
The NHS says it "causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate" and can lead to problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.
He told The Telegraph his condition "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".
"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."
Jones announced his retirement from international rugby in May.
He eventually quit the sport in November, before having surgery on his heart that same month.
Jones said he hopes more players can have heart screenings, so they can discover any issues.
The Welshman told The Telegraph: "There is a lot of talk about welfare in rugby at the minute, but does that cover everything?
"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."
Jones is the most capped player in rugby after making 158 appearances for Wales and 12 for the British and Irish Lions.
Read more: Gavin Henson and Phil Vickery among over 200 ex-rugby stars taking legal action over brain injuries
Jones's comments come weeks after a number of former players began legal action over brain injuries against the English Rugby Football Union (RFU), Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and World Rugby.
English World Cup winner Steve Thompson is among those suing rugby authorities, and said he had been diagnosed with early onset dementia as a result of his playing career.
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