Lions stars were left close to tears after Alun Wyn Jones' heartbreaking act

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Welsh rugby icon Alun Wyn Jones bid an emotional farewell to his British and Irish Lions team-mates in 2021, a moment so poignant it nearly moved them to tears.

The world's most capped rugby player was due to lead the Lions to South Africa but faced a heartbreaking setback that almost cut his summer short. During a warm-up match against Japan at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Jones suffered a dislocated shoulder, which seemed to spell the end of his participation one day before the team departed for Johannesburg.

This injury threatened to put a premature end to one of the most storied careers in Lions history. Former Ospreys lock Jones had been a constant presence in the Lions' line-up since his first tour to South Africa in 2009 but faced the prospect of missing out on a dream final hurrah.

Despite this personal blow, Jones remained with the team long enough to present the caps and pass on the captaincy to Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray. In addition, he gave a stirring speech to his fellow players, which left a lasting impression on everyone who shared in his disappointment.

"He spoke very eloquently and very well at the cap presentation," said forwards coach Robin McBryde (via Wales Online). "He wished everybody the best and just got on with the job. It was tough for all concerned really. I know Jason Leonard was close to shedding a tear, if you want to use him as some sort of barometer.

"When Alun Wyn speaks, it's always from the heart. It was very heartfelt. There was no working around it how disappointed he was obviously. It's a big thing. But he kept his emotions in check. He was able to get his words out and just do the job in hand."

McBryde continued by saying the tribute perfectly captured Jones as an individual, consistently prioritising the squad's requirements above his personal interests. He also recognised it placed extra burden on both players and coaching personnel to perform without their skipper.

As it turned out, Jones staged a remarkable comeback from his shoulder problem and managed to link up with the Lions tour party. Furthermore, he featured in all three Test encounters and completed the full 80 minutes in the opening two fixtures, including that memorable series-launching triumph.

Consequently, he became the first Lion to participate in 12 straight Test matches across four separate tours spanning 12 years. He also rose to joint-third in the all-time Lions appearance charts, behind only Dickie Jeeps (13) and iconic Ireland legend Willie John McBride (17).

It seemed appropriate supporters witnessed the emotional aspect of the Test stalwart as he departed the Lions stage for the final time. When Sky Sports' Sarra Elgan enquired about his reflections on the 2021 series and his previous three campaigns, Jones battled to articulate his thoughts: "It's just done now, so..."

Many would bask in the glory of their achievements, but when quizzed about his most cherished Lions moments and the significance of the jersey, Jones remained a true team player.

"It's funny. For this one in particular I had to work harder second time to get out here," he said. "I know a lot of these guys will be on the next one, so I look forward to watching them."

A captain through and through, right up to his final moments. England's Maro Itoje has taken over the reins with aplomb this summer and aims to steer his team to a historic clean sweep against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.