Welsh legend Jones signs for Toulon as World Cup cover

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones will play for Top 14 side Toulon as cover during this year's World Cup, the French team said on Friday.

The 37-year-old second-row forward is available after surprising many in bringing down the curtain on his stellar Test career - he played a world record 170 matches (158 for Wales, 12 for the Lions) - in May.

"We are delighted and honoured to welcome a legendary player like Alun Wyn Jones to Toulon. His career demonstrates his immense talent," said Toulon director of rugby Pierre Mignoni.

"His experience, his mental and physical strength as well as his leadership will add to the locker room and to his team-mates."

Jones, who had looked set for a fifth World Cup having been named in the preliminary squad, also ended his 17-year stay at Ospreys in June.

Jones is the third player Toulon have signed this week as cover - 15-times capped French wing Noa Nakaitaci and Fijian centre Setariki Tuicuvu the other two.

The World Cup, which France is hosting, runs from September 8 to October 28.