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Alun Wyn Jones challenges entire Wales squad to become leaders

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones and head coach Rob Howley With the Six Nations trophy
Image: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones and head coach Rob Howley with the Six Nations trophy

New captain of Wales, Alun Wyn Jones, has challenged the entire squad to become leaders.

The Ospreys lock also hailed Sam Warburton, who recently stood down from the role in a bid to recover some of his lost form.

However, Jones still feels he needs to earn his own starting spot in the team and not be an automatic selection just because he is the skipper.

Warburton led Wales to a Grand Slam in 2012
Image: Out going Sam Warburton was praised by Jones

"In a way the captaincy is just a label, but I'm ready and able to make decisions as captain when needed," Jones said.

"But if we can grow more leaders in the team, we can get to the point where we're making similar decisions without having to consult with each other.

"So, it would be a case of job done, let's move on to the next challenge as a group and as a team.

I don't want followers: followers are for Twitter.
Alun Wyn Jones

"I don't want followers: followers are for Twitter. Also, if I'm not playing well I'll still be available to be deselected. If that wasn't the case I wouldn't have accepted the captaincy."

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As for Warburton standing down, Jones added: "The graciousness that Sam has displayed has been good.

"Hopefully, we've been a credit to the fact it shouldn't be about us it should be about the team."

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