The most-capped rugby player ever. Alun Wyn Jones, the hero who led Wales to an exhilarating World Cup bid. Won 158 caps for the Welsh and 12 for the British and Irish Lions. In July 2023, after Jones signed with the French outfit Toulon, doctors performed a medical check-up and diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition that causes an irregular and often incredibly fast heart rate.
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
The diagnosis, for Alun Wyn Jones who had always prided himself on being fit, came as a surprise. “This feels like a six-legged galloping horse,”. He wrote of the force of his heartbeat, which was now severely irregular. Despite the diagnosis, Jones elected to remain with Toulon until the end of his short-term contract in November 2023. After his playing days ended, he had surgery to fix the heart condition.
Call for Regular Screening
Jones’s ordeal highlighted the need for athletes to receive routine health screenings. Alun Wyn Jones added that comprehensive health checks at an early stage should be a standard part of the build up to rugby in light of the rigorous nature of the sport that leads to increased risk of developing AF. He thanked Toulon, saying he would likely not have discovered his heart condition without their medical screening.
Raising Awareness
In July 2024, Alun Wyn Jones collaborated with AliveCor to create the “Let’s Talk Rhythm” Campaign. This is part of an effort to educate people about the early signs of atrial fibrillation and to encourage people to speak openly about their heart health. Jones’s involvement draws attention to AF, a condition which affects about 1.4 million individuals in the UK.
Personal Reflections
Looking back on his journey, Alun Wyn Jones admitted he was floored by the news. Particularly considering his dedication to fitness over the years. It often afflicts people participating in high-endurance activities and there is a need for greater awareness and proactive monitoring of health among athletes, he said.
