Jones is one of the greatest players ever to play for Wales and described receiving the OBE as something which made him “very grateful” for what rugby has done for him as a person.
The 36-year-old is the most capped player in international history with 161 – a number which includes 149 Wales caps and 12 appearances for the British & Irish Lions.
Jones captained the Lions in their 2-1 Test series defeat to South Africa this summer.
He has been Wales captain since 2018 and led the team in their 2021 autumn series opener with New Zealand – a game in which he suffered a shoulder injury which is likely to rule him out of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations.
📸 Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is made an OBE by the Duke of Cambridge pic.twitter.com/RZuu9mNESf
— PA Sport (@pasport) November 9, 2021
Speaking after the Windsor Castle investiture ceremony hosted by the Duke of Cambridge, Jones said: “When I was told about the award my immediate reaction was to be very grateful to the game as a whole for what it’s given me and the qualities and characteristics it’s brought out of me.
“But also for the people, from a young, young age that have been involved in the game and helped me to be able to achieve, and continue to achieve, what I have done.
“There is still plenty I haven’t done, there are people who have helped me fulfil a certain amount of my potential, and there is still a bit to go.”
Lock Jones has made an indelible impression on the Welsh team since he made his debut in the side in Argentina in 2006.
Since then, he has gone on to help Wales win three Grand Slam titles in the Six Nations championship.
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in training this autumn
When I was told about the award my immediate reaction was to be very grateful to the game as a whole for what it’s given me and the qualities and characteristics it’s brought out of me
With the Lions he toured first in 2009. He then took part in the victorious trip to Australia in 2013 and four years later was part of the squad that drew the series against New Zealand.
His last series was in South Africa this summer.
Wales lost a close game against the Springboks on Saturday, but Jones was positive about the performance of his team-mates in his absence.
He said: “I think it was a very encouraging game at the weekend compared to what the form book and the forecasters were saying. Credit to the guys.
“They were there for nigh-on all of the game but obviously the late score from South Africa got the win for them.”
Posting on Instagram, Jones added: “A huge honour and very fortunate to be recognised for doing something I love.
“I’m accepting my OBE on behalf of everyone who has had a hand in and supported me to this point in my career.”
I’m accepting my OBE on behalf of everyone who has had a hand in and supported me to this point in my career
