World rugby’s record cap-holder Alun Wyn Jones was diagnosed with a heart condition as his career drew to a close.
Jones, 38, has called for players to be screened for such issues more often after undergoing tests before finishing at Toulon.
“I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation,” he told The Telegraph.
The ex-Wales and British and Irish Lions forward’s career ended at the French side in November, 2023.
Wyn Jones, who made 158 appearances for Wales and 12 for the Lions, added: “It was discovered when I underwent a full medical check, which included an ECG test, when I joined Toulon in July on a short-term contract as cover during the World Cup.”
In May, coach Warren Gatland named Jones in his extended Wales squad for the 2023 World Cup.
But Jones and long-time Wales, Ospreys and British and Irish Lions team-mate Justin Tipuric soon announced their international retirements.
Having left Ospreys, Jones joined Toulon on a short-term deal during which he also played for Barbarians against Wales and Swansea.
He added: “There is a lot of talk about welfare in rugby at the minute, but does that cover everything?
“Is it just things that we can afford? Surely the sport has come on to the point where players should be screened more often, especially at a time when the demands in the game are growing.
“I was very lucky how it worked out and will forever be grateful to Toulon for signing me. Had they not offered me a contract, I may never have known about the heart condition.
“The cardiac doctor picked it up straight away. My heartbeat was like a galloping horse with six legs. It was all over the shop.”
The National Health Service says atrial-fibrillation “is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate”.
Jones, whose Test career began in 2006 and ended in 2023, took medical advice and discussed the situation with wife Anwen before committing to playing for Toulon.
“The things that bring it on for someone my age is likely to be cardiovascular exercise and stress, it occurs in sports like rowing and endurance sports, but it was a shock because throughout my career I have always prided myself on my fitness,” he said.
“I have always been so committed to doing extras after matches, constantly working on my fitness and recovery from injuries.
“We acted on medical advice from a rugby point of view.
“There was a risk, but I was prepared to play for Toulon. Anwen and I had a conversation as husband and wife and I said, ‘I have come this far, if I drop, at least I will be doing something I love’.
“It might seem a selfish decision given that I have three young daughters, but I needed to take the opportunity.
“It was only going to be for four months, and it gave me an opportunity to experience and get perspective on my career and life.”
Jones underwent surgery to correct the heart condition in November, shortly after finishing his playing career to a standing ovation from both sets of fans after leading Toulon to victory at Clermont Auvergne in the French Top 14.
