No more heroes? Alun Wyn Jones stands tall even in these cynical times | Kevin Mitchell


Wales captain’s act of kindness on Saturday did not go unnoticed and there is plenty of evidence to suggest sometimes it’s still OK to meet your idols

An image that will linger from the final round of the Six Nations was not a dazzling run or shuddering tackle, but a small act of kindness that almost went unnoticed.

As Ireland had asked for the roof of the Principality Stadium to remain opened – in the hope that the elements might help them to beat their Welsh hosts – a vicious wind swept in from Tiger Bay and along the assembled ranks of players before the kick-off. Alun Wyn Jones, who will have had bigger things on his mind – like battering the second best team in the world into the turf to secure the grand slam – noticed his appointed mascot, seven-year-old Joey Hobbs from Whitchurch RFC, was shivering in his shadow. So the Wales captain paused and lent down to wrap his Welsh jacket around the boy’s shoulders, a gesture Joey surely will never forget.

Related: Alun Wyn Jones the pain-defying warrior needed for more Wales battles | Paul Rees

Related: Drama and joy of Frost and Gemmell help raise Cheltenham from gloom | Greg Wood

Continue reading...