Former Wales Grand Slam winning rugby captain, Ryan Jones, has thanked Swansea Bay staff for helping him get over an injury… sustained 10 years ago.
Although he retired in 2015, having won 75 caps for Wales, including three Grand Slam victories, the former number 8 had been carrying the legacy of a broken ankle from his playing days, in the form of a plate in his leg.
The old injury had gradually become debilitating over the years, so he made the decision to have the plate removed in order to carry on with his post-rugby enjoyment of triathlons and being active in the great outdoors.
He underwent surgery in Neath Port Talbot Hospital before Christmas and is now making good progress with follow up physiotherapy.
Ryan has shared his story in order to thank the staff for their care.
He said: “I’m 10 years post playing now – if I was an old car there would be a fair few miles on the clock, so there’s almost inclusive running repairs.
“I’ve always tried to stay super active and super fit since playing but one of my old injuries in my left leg has crept up on me and got progressively worse. So, I came in to see (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon) Mr Paul Williams, who has taken exceptional care of me with his amazing team.
“I broke my ankle playing right at the end of my career but, as is the way with these things, it’s never quite straightforward. There were a few other things there, besides taking the plate out. Hopefully this will mean I can return to doing all the things that I love doing. My running, my cycling, and being active out and about.”
Ryan, who spent 10 seasons with the Ospreys and also represented the British and Irish Lions, explained how he got into triathlons and joked about being overtaken by fellow Wales star, Shane Williams.
He said: “When I finished playing, I had no appetite to stay in the gym and those sort of things, but I was fascinated with what my body would now allow me to do. That firstly led me into triathlon and latterly long-distance running and adventuring – I love nothing more than being out in the mountains of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Bacons) and Snowdonia. That’s what life looks like now.
“I’ve done Wales Iron Man twice and Shane was there for both of them. The very first one was a career low point. Having made Shane the player he was by making a few tries for him, he did pass me on the marathon stage and tapped me on the backside as he ran past! He’s got a distinct advantage mind you – he’s half the size.”
Making a point of thanking the staff Ryan revealed a close connection with Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
He said: “I’m a big supporter of the NHS. I did a lot of fundraising for them during Covid. I have an affinity for this hospital as they looked after my nan fantastically, when she was here, and my mum is currently having some treatment here.
“Now they are doing a superb job looking after me. Not only the care and compassion that the staff has shown, you always feel like nothing is too much, but also the professionalism.
“I’ve been around the world and, unfortunately seen the inside of lots of medical facilities, and this one here in Neath Port Talbot, and the people involved, has made the experience incredible. It’s given me hope. When I first met with Paul, I wondered whether that would be it? Would I get back to doing the things that I love?
“Now, here I am, six weeks post op, believing that I can.
“A huge thank you to each and everyone who has helped me so far.”
Physiotherapist Gavin Evans thank Ryan for his kind words while describing him as a model patient.
He said: “Ryan has been very kind and very grateful for the input that he’s had so far.
“It’s always a nice bonus when a patient takes time to thank us for our work.”
“Obviously, with the background he’s got, he’s clued up on orthopaedics and rehab but he’s still taking all the advice on board while doing all he can to get back to where he wants to be.”
