So Alun Wyn Jones & Justin Tipuric retired...

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A video made between small bouts of tears.
If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting / squidgerugby , so I can hope to raise funds to bring them both back, forever.

[@ThomasHallidayPalaeo]

Alun Wyn Jones has played in more than 20% of Wales rugby matches of all time since 1881. Extraordinary longevity at the top of the game.

[@martin-1965]

Yes, remember seeing him in 1913 before WW1 - he was impressive then but only got better with age 😂😂😂😂 - but seriously, he is a legend not only in Wales but in the game of rugby worldwide. I wish him well in retirement and hope he doesn't pay the price for his bruising no-compromise play over the decades. Diolch yn Fawr Alun ( and of course Justin as well - what a player )

[@peternoble3691]

😂

[@jukeseyable]

Wow

[@mixtwitch]

That is an amazing stat!

[@MKRM27]

And he should have stepped down years ago

[@MikeH89]

As an Irish fan, my favourite thing about the Lions tours was getting to support AWJ.

[@brynjones3530]

Same for me with BOD and POC and Sexton and Tommy Bowe.

[@Rasperdan]

Same for me with Keith Woods. He is still one of my favourite player of all time....... that coming from a ex Welsh winger.

[@wraithoflambeg]

Justin Tipuric was the player every back 5 wished they could be. AWJ is the player every back 5 player knew they should try and be. Going to miss them both (and Navidi too)

[@whatleyo]

Never gonna unsee that channel logo now!!

[@ruairiodonohoe2533]

Godspeed Tipuric and AWJ. You are legends not only in Wales, but in Ireland.

[@ChaSterio]

Very true will be weird not seeing them two playing against us anymore as the heads of their team

[@ruairiodonohoe2533]

​@ChaSterio very strange not seeing them in the red. The Old Guard is starting to go. I'll miss them

[@bobrong9645]

I'm pretty sure they are legends everywhere there are people watching rugby.

[@TheMikethoth]

That's a very kind sentiment. They made a big difference for us in Wales.

[@ruairiodonohoe2533]

@bobrong9645 very true

[@vaughansaman3090]

As an england fan, was genuinely heartbreaking to see them announce their retirements, both proper legends of the game

[@Malky24]

Two fantastic players. Thanks for the many miserable memories you gave us by being so annoyingly bloody good. A Scotland Fan.

[@Srioll]

Now that's something a Scotland Fan and an England Fan can agree on!

[@themanabroad7800]

@@Srioll I second that!

[@michelefavaretto627]

Two living rugby legends. Justin Tipuric is pure class, he is more than just a forward, he is a proper rugby man. But Alun Wyn is more than all the others, though, especially for his longevity at high and international level. I could see him playing in Treviso with the Ospreys and I remember I wanted to be there that day even because of him. And I'm italian. It'll be very sad to look at Wales' squad entering the field and not see AW as first of the row. Anyway, I wouldn't forget Josh Navidi as well, a great great player.

[@Rasperdan]

Thank you Michele..... respect from Wales.

[@chewieire8646]

No matter where in the world you are from, if you're a rugby fan, AWJ and JT are legends of the game.

[@jonnutter]

Neither of them would have made an All Blacks squad. There. NZ have sheep too

[@rhyswilliams4893]

​@@jonnutter I feel they would have. If they grew up in NZ they would have gone through the system and fit "the all black mold"

[@andrewbarton8525]

Too true. From an Englishman in France. Both Total legends of the game . I will miss AWJ a lot. My 21 year old rugby playing son here in France, also a major AWJ fan. Happy retirement fella.

[@fazertace6837]

@@jonnutterah yes, Tipuric wouldn’t make the AB’s squad because of Sam “youre a shit Richie Mccaw pal” Cane. The WORST no7 in tier 1 rugby. Wales have AT LEAST 3 better no7’s than him in their current squad. Tool

[@CinaedmacAilpin1874]

A fitting emotional tribute to two great players, thank you from an Ospreys fan in Germany who has great sympathies for Wales! I remember the first time I visited Wales, I was in a pub in Aberystwyth and on all the walls they had posters for a lottery. The first price? A car? Money? A holiday? No: to have AWJ train your local team for one session. That said it all for me!

[@MadMarchTaffy]

Hats off to those also mentioning Navidi - another class act - top video, BTW - da iawn!

[@arwennadalling2185]

The fact that I’m sixteen and AWJ has been doing international rugby for Seventeen years is insane for me. He was a legend and he will be missed

[@CrazyWelshy]

That highlight at the ending though, AWJ will always have your back.

[@drumurrrgh]

AWJ bit had me tearing up. Cewri o ddynion eith lawr yn hanes Cymru fel engreifftiau o be ydy hi i fod yn Gymry

[@umbc1205]

Just realized you have a patreon. I am in the US and pretty new to rugby (started playing and watching about 4 years ago). Anyway your videos and breakdowns have been amazing in helping me lean and understand how amazing the game is. Joined the patreon to support the channel. love the content 🤙

[@bananas293]

Even when rated as one of the best flankers in the world Tipuric is underrated. In the shadows of AWJ and Warbs he maybe did not shine as bright but boy did he shine with all round class. Possibly one of the best ALLROUND rugby players EVER alongside McCraw and Hill. He could run with the backs, pass and weave with the centres and grind shoulder to shoulder with the forwards. And at the end of the game Tips had a knack, when the stats came in "tackles made", "clear outs", "turnovers" .. you know his name was on it. Great service to Wales, Ospreys and a great service to Rugby.

[@gilgamesh101]

Well said my man, on all the points you made. Two of our true modern day heroes for their deeds on the pitch and equally for how they carried themselves. I rarely say such things, but it genuinely warms my ageing heart to see some of the wonderful comments from all parts of the rugby world that recognise and applaud them both for their fantastic contribution to our wonderful game. From the long ago, but many times when my grandad took me to the Arms Park as a young'un, and gave me the gift of not just understanding the game but, even better than that, truly appreciating the spirit and values that come with it, there have been few and far between such standard bearers for us to both cheer and applaud in equal measure, regardless of our colours

[@midaschild81]

Interesting view on Tipuric, I feel the same with Hamish Watson watching him break through at Edinburgh then Scotland and eventually make that Lions tour. Was my favourite player and somehow felt more personal having watched him at the start of his career over other international players you admire for their brilliant talents.

[@ContentOverdrive123]

I knew the Tipuric Family from childhood them only living 10 minutes down the road. Was Best Friends through School with his younger brother . Spent most of my time at their family home

[@Ogrecrusher]

Do the other members of the family give up on getting people to pronounce the name properly too? Haha!

[@ContentOverdrive123]

@@Ogrecrusher I laugh when I hear people pronouncing it wrong 😂

[@callumallison1662]

Wyn Jones has only played 20% of Wales games between 1908 and 2023. Considering the guy is 170 years old I’d call him a diva if you ask me

[@gravyh542]

Wyn Jones is the prop, who has played approximately 0.2% of the games Alun Wyn Jones the second row has.

[@gravyh542]

Squidge, I have a plan to lift Welsh rugby out of the gutter. What if you worked for the WRU in the technical and tactics department (probably a new department) and then we harvest AWJ and Tipuric DNA and create a new AWJT ultimate player? We could get Bonnie Tyler to work on the hair, that's the only potential issue I can see.

[@YOYOTh1s]

Lol... "Shut up in the back" Love the passion for your poor poor Ospreys...

[@ldamoff]

As much as I love watching skillfully exectued rugby (can't do it myself but it sure looks good when others manage it) I would maintain that the heart and soul of the game is the "work-rate" player; the player who is always just there, hitting rucks, running support lines, carrying the ball into contact, chasing kicks, getting back to cover the backfield. Alun Wyn Jones is the Platonic ideal of that player, both in terms of how he played the game and how many games he played. He was always there. I only started playing and watching the game in 2005 when I was 20 years old (I'm a year older than AWJ) so for me personally Alun Wyn Jones has always been there in rugby as I have ever known it and it is hard to believe he won't be.

[@simonhodson8518]

Thanks, Squidge. This was a great tribute. I really love what you do.

[@flyingscotsman92]

This is a brilliant short-form documentary/love letter. So frustrating to watch these two dominate Scotland for years.

[@samtyrrell4488]

Both players gave their all for the Welsh shirt and every game they played for ospreys and the lions. Both are the embodiment of professional rugby players and should be the inspiration for any current and future players. I fondly rambert watching AWJ's first wales International and honestly thinking he was outstanding after years of thinking second rows were just giants with very little skill, he completely redefined the position and then adapted his game for the next 2 decades. Then there was tips, I remember that LV cup game where he was the ospreys shining light, and he truly grew from there to become one of, if not the best openside in world rugby at points in his career. He was the reincarnation of martyn Williams (in a rugby sense, he's still alive) blending great jackling and tackling, with the skills of world class outside centre. The pair were unbelievable and will be sorely missed but fondly remembered for their great performances and endless commitment to Welsh rugby.

[@LTH099]

Absolutely fantastic players, servants to the game, their clubs, their country and adored by their fans. Much respect from Australia, we had so many amazing tussles with Wales and those two men always stood tall. I’ll miss seeing them lace up in France, what a marvellous legacy they leave.

[@DirtyDawgSailing]

This is quite literally the best video I have watched on KZbin. Absolutely love the Welsh passion for the game!

[@rugbyfirstenglishsecond117]

You mentioned AWJ’s discipline in not getting a yellow in twelve years. He also was not known for giving away silly penalties. I think those are key differences between him and other, flashier locks like Itoje. Enjoy your retirement Lions Captain.

[@GRB-tj6uj]

And the card that he eventually got against South Africa was absolute horse shit. Like that one doesn't even count (for those who haven't seen it/can't remember: he got penalised for hands in the ruck but his hands weren't even near the ball)

[@crystallineentity]

I hear the emotion man. Superb video

[@guybezant9009]

An ENG and RSA fan myself, but quality is quality. The Word Cup won't feel the same without either. Class both. Good luck to them both in retirement, they've earned it. You'll be missed.

[@danny-fallon]

That Tommy Bowe joke did not go unappreciated.

[@AxelDejean1]

Love those final 10 seconds 🤣🤣🤣

[@PSHESolutions]

Thank-you, what a lovely tribute to two of our greatest.

[@cyrilkellerer3174]

Deux grands joueurs de rugby Galois qui auront marqués leur sport.Merci Messieurs!

[@joedennehy386]

They were both great players, on the world stage. Excellent video thanks. Old man time catches up with us all in the end.

[@user-ni9gr1qn5t]

Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn Jones are the rock in Welsh rugby, Justin is an immense player you have done our nation proud I want to say is DIOLCH ! Alun Wyn ,Excellent player and if he stayed for the world cup it would been his 5th , Alun Wyn you are Welsh rugby and a big DIOLCH to you All I want to say is Thank you both for what you have done and good look to the future

[@te_arts7085]

I remember Tupuric talking about it since last year when I was talking to him, wish both of them and they're families all the best and a massive thank you to they're influence to Welsh rugby and rugby in general

[@jazzingpanda3190]

Two of the most talismanic players in Welsh Rugby. Potentially the world. Certainly Alun Wyn Jones. One of the greatest players to ever touch the ball. What more can you ask for. No words can describe his impact on rugby. May he forever be remembered in the Rugby hall of fame.

[@Inquisitor_Vex]

What a fantastic sendoff for the lads! Cheers, Squidge! 🍻 And thanks to AWJ & Tipuric for everything they’ve done over the years.

[@Andrew-yb1uv]

I've support Wales all my life, the past 18 years have been amazing. Tips and AWJ have been a big part of that. Legends.

[@jasonsen3367]

Every time I watched AWJ and thought he was past it, he'd pull a brilliant performance out in one of the next games.

[@zworm2]

To end with that highlight, perfect! Really do not know what to say about AWJ - Simply a magnificent thumping big red heart! Long may it continue.

[@zworm2]

Tip's ain't too shabby either. Like you I remember his first game for Wales and more and more. What a workhorse.

[@mrjayq]

Loved this vid lad, understand the loss as a fan.

[@paddytopping5036]

Having gone to school after AWJ my favourite memory was them having to heighten the showers

[@chrismouton1985]

True legends of the game in every sense of the word. God speed to them in their future endeavours! I had no idea that your logo was because of Tipuric's scrum cap. So cool!

[@newmanj8690]

I was today years old when i found out what the heck squidge's logo is

[@minichilts1]

Genuinely made me cry, then laugh out loud ❤

[@zebedeelps]

I'm a little older, but my timeline as a dedicated follower of Wales and Ospreys rugby is about the same. Maybe a year ahead, I guess Dan Biggar was the first player I followed from age grade to Lions rugby. But my point is, Squidge, thanks for putting all this into words, you nailed it. I was at the Liberty right behind the line of Tipuric's chip for that first try and dozens of other games watching him and AWJ at work, every single one a privilege.

[@Mightyguybrush2]

Great video. Thank you.

[@tecphobe]

I remember when AWJ started. He was playing at 6 my father in-law worked at the vale. He told me he's going to captain Wales for years and I'm not going to live long enough to see it.

[@peterwilliams1706]

Me and my best mates dream was always to see some injuries, and Tipps had to play in the centre. Imagine him out there with his skills. I am an Ospreys fan and I love watching them both, Tipps underrated, AWJ GOAT.

[@TheMikethoth]

Good luck Alyn Wyn. Youre the best.

[@888young2]

It's hard to imagine a Wales side without him

[@TheXCHeZ]

There is definitely, going to be a AWJ documentary. His international retirement wasn't a surprise, but Tipuric well that was and is.

[@najbritcol]

After the opening clip of AWJ's Lions speech, I thought the video was going to play P Diddy's "I'll Be Missing You"!

[@willprobert3179]

Great video Squidge

[@paulbismuth10]

AWJ and JT... I'm speechless. They were the a big part of my love for Wales. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🇨🇵 From a sad french fan.

[@mitsnp22]

Would love to see your ideal Wales 15 leading up to the world cup, especially now with the new absences 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@redrushun6328]

6:32 i did not know that Geraint Thomas was also rugby player

[@TheCJD89]

Hoping there will be a video about Sexton when he retires

[@eamonlyons8318]

Bit over the top but alun wyn jones truly represents what a lock does. He is Definitely in the top 5-10 locks of all time, and will be the only player that i will associate with that 5 shirt. Just how lionel messi and Ronaldo have 10 and 7, alun had 5.

[@AntonoirJacques]

I wouldn't say top 5-10. I would say top 3.

[@jgg0207]

Truly heartbroken that they won’t be in the World Cup

[@JohnSmith-ex9gu]

I hope they both see this video and realise how much they both mean to welsh rugby fans

[@anthonydeane8160]

Legend!!!

[@patriceithurria8128]

OLD TIMER 2ND ROWER LIKE RICHARD MORIARTY OR DELMES THOMAS, MUST BE SO PROUD...WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT . RESPECT.. ULTIMATE LOCK . THANKS LEGEND.

[@gusgrannan2353]

AWJ would have his number retired if he were playing an American sport. I recognize that only happens in Murrica but what Squidge was saying about the Welsh 5 is the underlying motivation for doing it. Of course the downside is that there are teams in multiple sports where no player can wear a single-digit number anymore. I’m not recommending it, just noting it. Thank you Justin, thank you Alan Wyn and thanks for this Squidge.

[@DrHworthy]

Happens some times in the amateur game. Topsham Ladies team play with a H instead of the No2 because they retired it due to the death of a player and the whole club do a charity day every year I her honor

[@antivalidisme5669]

I'm a very Basque/Gascon SW French guy, Bayonne and La Rochelle and of course France fan, but- why I should say but I mean AND?- I have a ton of respect for those players. Alun Wyn always take care

[@jamessullivan1471]

I'm not crying! You're crying! 😭😭😭😭

[@Shamankzn]

A sad day indeed. I do hope they remain a part of Welsh rugby in some capacity, the loss of rugby IQ, professionalism and heart with these retirements is hard to over-state.

[@hankb]

legends never die

[@darthmong7196]

I think the pair of them were approached for leadership roles to rebuild the WRU. If they weren't, they should have been.

[@brodericki4281]

Well said Robbie

[@buxzw1945]

I wanted to be the American Wyn Jones when I started playing. My very short time playing started and ended within the second half of his career

[@elizabethbutler5617]

Both exceptional players AWJ is definitely a legend and JT is also, they will be sorely missed in International Rugby 😢

[@woody6t1]

As an English supporter in NZ I breathe a sigh of relief that these two greats of the game retire. My only challenge to part of your commentary about AWJ being the single most hardest worker ever seen, would be to put up Brad Thorne and Brodie Retalick as contenders for that crown, and I suppose Eben Eztebeth might get a mention in the same sentence. Thanks for your adulation with which as a Lions supporter I cannot argue.

[@eamonlyons8318]

Maybe Irish bias but Paul O'Connell was another workhorse of a lock. Locks are the hardest workers in a team, that's coming from a number 6.

[@taraishot100]

Bro Brad Throne is my favourite Lock of all time.. maybe Victor Mattfield and Bakkies Bother over Eben in my opinion.. tbh I’ve never heard of the guys in the video as you know better than anyone we kiwis don’t really get into the northern hemisphere style of rugby so we never really watch it until the All Blacks play them

[@woody6t1]

@@eamonlyons8318 yes Paul O’Connell another consummate professional player who’s name should be added to that list

[@Slipperygecko390]

His gone full Anti NZ Rugby lately lmao.

[@theverynoob786]

AWJ is one of those players that were there playing ever since I was conscious. Across all sports on Earth, those are getting rarer and rarer. Many legends who were part of that crowd have retired in the past few years. Many retired cause they declined spectacularly until they couldn't properly play anymore. It wasn't the case for AWJ. He was still that guy, up until his very last games. One of the very few. There's only one such guy left actually, and when the only athlete I can think to compare him to is LeBron James, fuck if that doesn't mean something about how great of a player he was.

[@StevenBenjaminAuthor]

Salute. From RSA

[@GRB-tj6uj]

A fitting tribute. Now I'm off putting some money on Portugal

[@matthewalexander7574]

Legends

[@user-pd5lb2dt7b]

Super video

[@jessicatH22]

Looking forward to waving farewell to awj in the barbarians Vs world xv match this Sunday o7

[@giandrammingaround9344]

was the offloaded ball at min. 8.37 being blurred on purpose? 😅 Both giant players, they will be missed.

[@darrenhazelden2340]

You have to pixelate NSFW content

[@Samizouza]

True Welsh legends indeed

[@DRM1891]

Two genuine world class players that we have been lucky to have played for Wales all these years.

[@paulhmull]

nice words

[@raffaeletroiano1871]

Can we all agree this is strange and feels like there is some information we’re missing from this story?

[@kreishon]

Nobody promotes ads better than Squidge on all of KZbin

[@rhidianchapman2560]

I promised I wouldn’t cry squidge. Damn you haha

[@thomashughes7336]

I am proud to be Welsh, and if anyone wants to know what that means, look no further than AWJ. Gutted that Tips and AWJ retired, was really hoping to see them bow out on fire in the world cup. Maybe I can hold a sliver of hope Gats will realise his mistake in telling them they won't be playing, and he'll call at least one of them up to the squad for one last run out on the biggest stage. Diloch boys, Tipuric perhaps the most talented player we've produced in recent memory, AWJ the hardest working. Icons each in their own right, the pitch will feel empty without the two of you.

[@eamonlyons8318]

With tipuric and navidi gone, the youngsters need to step up

[@liamryan17]

U ok hun? ❤

[@mikescudder4621]

Alun Wyn Jones is a legend.

[@iantobaudonnel1138]

if we could take out a jersey number out of the game like in the NBA, we would definetly take the 5 out for AWJ. Love from France for one of my favourite players

[@ThisIsAitch]

You know a player is one of the greatest when other nationalities don't particularly like them. As an Englishman, AWJ is just one of those I branded as a "teacher's pet", always complaining to the ref; but really its because it was brilliant everywhere else, and it got on our nerves.

[@najbritcol]

They'll both be missed, especially of course AWJ.

[@michaelboard6330]

AWJ cannot wait to watch the barbarians game on Sunday to celebrate his career! Absolute legend!

[@veiddimaddur8354]

Gonna miss these lads. Cymru am byth

[@brynjones3530]

Can there ever be a greater tribute to a player than being made captain of a side coached by your greatest rival (Eddie Jones). So many armchair coaches will say that he was overrated but that is all the evidence anyone should ever need that he was one of the greatest players to ever take the field. Thankyou AWJ.

[@mikescudder4621]

Blue hat off ta ya Tipuric....

[@baruchhashem49]

Such a massive shame AWJ and T go out this way with the WRU in fire straights, not even able to pay players Heads should roll as we wait years for Wales to resemble anything like they were