The best of social media after Alun Wyn Jones’ stunning return
When British & Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones walked off the Murrayfield pitch 18 days ago with a dislocated shoulder, most of the rugby world thought that was his summer over. But almost everyone forgot one thing, there is a good chance that Alun Wyn Jones is not actually human.
Lo and behold, the Welsh legend is set to fly to South Africa this Thursday, which will complete one of the most remarkable recoveries in living memory. Then again, everyone should have expected this from Jones.
“We are delighted to welcome Alun Wyn back,” said Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
“It’ll come as no surprise to anyone who knows Alun Wyn that since injuring his shoulder against Japan, he’s done everything he can to get himself back.
“It’s remarkable really when you consider it’s just 18 days since he left us in Edinburgh.
“He’s been training with the Wales squad at the Vale since last week and yesterday he had a proper hit out. Following assessment from the medical staff this morning we’re satisfied he’s fit to return.
“He’s obviously raring to go and from what I’ve seen on video and the feedback we’ve received, he’s certainly not been holding himself back in training. He was really getting stuck in yesterday.
“It’s a massive boost for the Lions to welcome a player of Alun Wyn’s stature back.”
Gatland is not the only one who is impressed, as much of social media is astounded by this comeback. As a result, there are plenty of memes online comparing Jones to the Terminator, the Undertaker and, of course, Superman. These are some of the best:
Constantly refreshing my rugby news feeds to see if AWJ has done the impossible cos that makes him mighty… pic.twitter.com/DIMAY2reUw
— Andy Evans (@fade2dust) July 13, 2021
The man, the legend… What the hell is this man made of…. #manofsteel #alunwynjones https://t.co/AmUZzTeCpa pic.twitter.com/TOENdESee1
— Jamie Evans 🏴🏉🏏🍻 (@HoggyEvans) July 13, 2021
#LionsRugby @AlunWynJones #OurCaptain pic.twitter.com/FdkczlcjpN
— Adam Clapp (@Clappy678) July 14, 2021
Alun Wyn Jones after dislocated shoulder…18 days recovery. WTF is he made of? Dried on Weetabix? pic.twitter.com/J4vldmqyoS
— Tom Shevill (@le_Shev) July 14, 2021
@AlunWynJones there’s only one explanation #mutant #LionsSA2021 pic.twitter.com/tEoO8bNhZf
— Jacob Lewis (@7jacoblewis) July 14, 2021
Just saying….. #awj #LionsTour2021 #recovery #illhavewhatheshaving pic.twitter.com/kJQMXHlqGt
— Ffion Howells Davies (@FfionHD) July 14, 2021
AWJ getting ready to rejoin the tour. pic.twitter.com/aFoxG2McZP
— Simon Uttley (@SiUttley) July 13, 2021
AWJ getting back to SA at all, let alone before the first test, is quite the most bonkers story pic.twitter.com/ZDqyoEyY9f
— Mike Pullen (@MikePullen1969) July 14, 2021
Super AWJ! 🦸♂️
There aren’t many who could recover from a dislocated shoulder in less than 3 weeks. All the best for your return to the @lionsofficial den, Skip! 🦁#GuinnessSixNations #LionsRugby @AlunWynJones pic.twitter.com/kG6goK0aP5
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) July 14, 2021
https://t.co/wnVTBhvBX1 pic.twitter.com/gsejxW9gWF
— Morgan Stoddart (@MorganStoddart) July 14, 2021
https://t.co/XAnJ0Ads5O pic.twitter.com/KGjYTyMArj
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 14, 2021