by Dylan James

148 caps, one more to go. Alun Wyn Jones is set to break the world record for test caps, taking over Richie McCaw in the process, not the easiest thing to do.

From the Ospreys, to Wales, and finally, the British and Irish Lions. Alun Wyn Jones’ CV is looking pretty good, isn’t it? Well, it all started at Bonymaen RFC.

It seems Alun Wyn is still making an impact on the Swansea based rugby side. Current Bonymaen player Liam Brooks said, “It’s a bit bizarre really having a player that started his club rugby here and now he’s eclipsing a player of the calibre of McCaw!”

“Alun was very quiet from stories, but imposing when he needed to be. Much the same as now I expect!”

“He came to a training session before our plate final vs Brecon and you could see that he has an aura/presence about him.”

Rugby reporter Ben Coles, of the Telegraph, highlighted how consistent Jones’ work rate has been over the course of his 15 year-long career.

“Speaking to various former and current team-mates of his over the last year, during the World Cup and then ahead of becoming the most-capped player of all time, they’re all fixated on how hard he works and how well he speaks.”

“Honestly in the early days of his career he sounds like a nightmare, constantly going after people in training physically and relentlessly trying to win every drill and come out on top of every session.”

“It’s easy to see how other players would then be inspired by that. He’s never going to be the kind of lock throwing outrageous offloads or making 50-metre breaks, but, his work-rate is obscene and his skills are far better than he gets credit for.”

“But, really, his legacy is that he will go down as one of the great Test captains and one of the hardest workers the modern game has ever seen. Sean O’Brien told me that you would always rather be playing with him than against him. I’m not sure praise gets much higher.”

After Alun Wyn’s retirement, attentions will most likely turn to the next Welsh leader.

Well, it seems Alun may have just picked this one out himself, Pivac quoted the Wales captain, who said, “I’ve been waiting 15 years for someone like Shane to come along.”

Cardiff Blues back-rower Shane Lewis Hughes will make his test debut on the blindside against Scotland tomorrow.

Pivac also suggested some similarities between the two players. “If you look at Alun Wyn in terms of his preparation, the way he trains, and the way he reviews and previews his opposition, Shane Lewis-Hughes is a clone.”

A clone of Alun Wyn Jones? Now that is some huge praise, no pressure Shane.