Alun Wyn Jones’ incredible year got a little bit more special still on Tuesday night when the Wales lock was crowned BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2019.
The reigning Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship led Wales to the Grand Slam this year and is also one of six nominees for the overall BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
This recognition comes on the back of an amazing 12 months that has seen Jones captain Wales to the Grand Slam and briefly to the No.1 spot in the world rankings, while also breaking Wales’ all-time appearance record out in Japan at the Rugby World Cup.
Wales fell just short in Yokohama, running eventual champions South Africa mighty close in the semi-finals before being edged out and having to settle for a fourth-place finish overall.
Jones has not appeared for club or country since the tournament ended last month, but the lock remains the best in the business in his home country as this latest award recognises.
“It’s massive, the nomination was huge for myself, representing the team and guys that I have played alongside,” he said.
“Particularly my teammates over the last year, but also the guys that have come before and left a bit of themselves on my demeanour and the way I got about things.
“To have it voted for by the people who support us, the people we do it for and try and make smile, like the morning after a Grand Slam, means the world.”
Jones is hoping for a return to action with club side Ospreys in the busy Christmas fixture list before the 2020 Guinness Six Nations comes into view.
And the 34-year-old admits he has some unfinished business to attend to.
He added: “We are carrying a bit of hurt about the World Cup, or I am on a personal level because we went out there believing we could win it.
“We didn’t come back so it is a difficult one but this is huge. I am contracted for another 18 months, I have a bit of mileage but I am hoping to feature over Christmas and we go from there.”
In addition to Jones’ individual award, he and his teammates also won the team of the year award.
“I do feel I should be up here (on stage) with another 30-45 blokes to be honest, as strength in numbers is always good,” added Jones on the podium.
While their former coach Warren Gatland, who has since been replaced at the helm by Wayne Pivac, won the coach of the year.
