“Diolch o galon am eich cyfraniad, arweiniad a hefyd am ysbrydoli miloedd o ferched a bechgyn o gwmpas ein gwlad.”
The Welsh Rugby Union chair joins a host of tributes paid to Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric in the last 24hrs, after the pair announced their respective retirements from the top flight game in quick succession.
With over 250 caps between them Welsh rugby will inevitably lament the loss of priceless experience, unerring leadership and tried and tested world class talent that has been in abundance for both players but, as someone who retired himself on the eve of a major tournament, Evans empathises completely.
“Every journey has a destination and every beginning has an end, but in this context it’s not when you get there that’s important but how and both players have personified the pride of a nation during their respective careers,” said former highly decorated Wales and British & Irish Lions wing, and current Lions chair, Evans.
Ieuan Evans has paid tribute to Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric
“For Alun Wyn and Justin this is their time but what they will keep close to them and what we must all remember is how lucky we have been to have them representing our country on the international stage for so long.
“Alun Wyn has been a talisman, we have all got so used to his presence on the world stage and his contributions to any match he plays in are borne from an uncompromising winning mentality.
“Justin has also been ever present and, as an exceptional athlete and truly dynamic player, it has been a privilege for all of us to be able to watch him play.
“But as someone who retired himself on the eve of a tournament (the 1998 Six Nations), I can empathise with what they will both be going through.
Hwyl Fawr a Diolch Alun Wyn
“My only advice is to remind each of them to reflect on their immense contributions to the game in Wales and of their achievements on a global scale, these achievements will never fade from the history books.
“Alun Wyn has always represented Wales with pride and passion not only written all over his face but also oozing from every pore of his body.
“He has been a physical manifestation of what we all feel when we hear the first notes of ‘”Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” play at an international match and he takes that passion into each game after the whistle blows.
The final anthem from AWJ in his 158th Welsh Test v France this year
“We have all loved him for it. We thank him for the Grands Slams, the Championship wins, the tantalizing World Cup campaigns and the leadership and commitment he has shown to both Wales and the British & Irish Lions.
“But, most of all we thank him for his sheer, infectious will to win, for setting the standards in performance that all those around him have followed when Wales have been at their most successful.
“Justin too we thank for his commitment to both Wales and the Lions, but also for his sublime skills, for his athleticism and dynamism and for his unrelenting ability to do exactly the right thing on a rugby pitch in any given situation.
“In his pomp he has played in a highly successful international team which has won trophies and set the world alight with its brand rugby and stood out as a point of difference, someone who can turn a game on its head and someone who so often did.
26.11.22 – Wales v Australia – Autumn Nations Series -Justin Tipuric of Wales takes line out ball.
“Justin has been an absolute pleasure to watch and Alun Wyn has been a phenomenon to behold.
Diolch o galon am eich cyfraniad, arweiniad a hefyd am ysbrydoli miloedd o ferched a bechgyn o gwmpas ein gwlad.
“Thank you both for your immense contributions to Welsh rugby.”
