The 31-year-old takes over the captaincy from Sam Warburton, who led Wales to the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final after becoming the nation’s youngest skipper at the age of 22. The 69-cap back-rower went on to claim RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam glory a year later before Wales retained their title in dramatic fashion in 2013.
But Jones will takeover as captain to allow Warburton to focus on his own form and fitness. The Ospreys lock has amassed 105 Wales caps and led the Lions to victory in the third Test to claim a series victory against Australia in Warburton’s absence four years ago.
And Edwards says Jones has all the attributes to go down in history alongside some legendary leaders.
He said: “He’s an incredible athlete and he has a great rugby brain as well. Let’s be honest, that doesn’t happen very often. To have such size, power and speed and also be such an intelligent rugby player means he has the full box of tricks. He is undoubtedly one of our world-class players.
“We feel it’s the right decision at this time and Sam Warburton will continue to fight for his spot. He’s played some brilliant games for us when he’s been captain and played some equally good games when he hasn’t. It’s all good.
“He has such a competitive edge. All the best captains have a competitive edge where they’re desperate to win. I think what you have to take into consideration with Alun Wyn Jones is he doesn’t just do that with Wales, he does it with the Ospreys too and that’s what the greatest of great players do. Martin Johnson did it, Lawrence Dallaglio did it and Alun Wyn Jones does it.”
