Description

‘People think they know him but unless you read this book you will never know the REAL Alun Wyn Jones’ – Warren Gatland
‘One of the greatest, and seemingly indestructible, players in history’ – A Daily Mail Book of the Year

Belonging is the story about how the boy from Mumbles became the most capped rugby union player of all time. It is the story of what it takes to become a man who is seen by many as one of the greatest ever Welsh players. What it takes to go from sitting cross-legged on the hall floor at school watching the 1997 Lions tour of South Africa, to being named the 2021 Lions captain.

But is it also about perthyn – belonging: playing for Wales, working his way through the age grades and club rugby and his regional side. How to earn the right to be there, and what it feels like to make the sacrifices along the way. Feeling the connection to players who have come before, and feeling the ties to the millions in front rooms and pubs across the country, coast to coast. Knowing that deep down you want to belong, as everyone does.

From playing on the rain-swept pitches of Swansea to making his test debut against Argentina in Patagonia in 2006; from touring with the Lions in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2021 to dealing with loss and creating a family – Belonging is the autobiography of one of the most compelling figures in world rugby. Told with characteristic honesty, this is his unique personal story of what it takes and what it means to play for your country: what it means to belong.

Publisher Review

One of the greatest, and seemingly most indestructible, players in history -- A Daily Mail Book of the Year To me, the most impressive thing about AWJ is his longevity. It takes so much dedication and commitment to make it to the top, and his sustained success is super impressive and inspiring! Along with his constant drive to get the best from himself and the guys around him. -- Geraint Thomas A true warrior. He demands excellence from himself and others around him. He has had success and disappointment, joy and sadness. People think they know him but unless you read this book you will never know the REAL Alun Wyn Jones. -- Warren Gatland A once in a generation player & leader and of the all time great Wales and Lions players. -- Sam Warburton 'A brilliant rugby player, an incredible leader, fierce competitor and great person. Combined they give you one of the greatest players of all time. He is a leader in everything he does. In how he plays, how he competes, how he represents where he comes from and in how he treats people. It was an honour it was to play with and against him.' -- Paul O'Connell Unbelievable player. Magnificent captain. One of the game's greatest icons. -- James Haskell, former England rugby player Alun's consistency over such a long time has been amazing, an incredible career. -- Martin Johnson, former England rugby captain and World Cup winner An exceptional player and leader of men. One of the best captains I ever played against. -- Dylan Hartley, former England rugby captain A classic leader of men and a phenomenal rugby player. -- Sean Fitzpatrick, former All Blacks captain Superman! -- Olivier Magne, former French rugby captain