Alun Wyn Jones, the world’s most capped rugby union player, has announced his retirement from the international game.
The 37-year-old lock played 158 times for Wales and made 12 British and Irish Lions Test appearances.
Wales flanker Justin Tipuric, who won 93 caps, had earlier announced his decision to step down from Test rugby.
The players’ decisions come less than four months before Wales’ World Cup opener against Fiji in Bordeaux, and both had recently been named in a 54-player preliminary training squad for the tournament by head coach Warren Gatland.
Writing on his Instagram page, Jones said: “Having been selected in this year’s preliminary Rugby World Cup squad, and after ongoing dialogue with the coaching staff and WRU (Welsh Rugby Union), I have decided to step away from the international game.
“So, after 17 years, I look back on special memories with Welsh greats and future Welsh greats.”
Former Wales and Lions captain Jones continued: “The opportunity to be professional in the sport I love was a dream come true, and to represent my home region the Ospreys and clubs within the region, namely Mumbles and particularly Bonymaen, who guided my formative years, was beyond special and something for which I am hugely grateful.
“A huge thank you to the staff and players who have been part of my journey. I wish you well for the future.
“To the supporters, thank you for the support and making the most special occasions even more memorable.
“To the people closest to me, my family, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Jones, who made his Test debut in 2006, is regarded as one of Wales’ greatest-ever players.
Time and time again, he produced inspired displays for his country, with a stellar career harvesting multiple Six Nations titles, Grand Slam successes and World Cup appearances.
He also went on four Lions tours – in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2021 – and skippered them in South Africa two years ago.