Michael Jones

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jones's journey began in Te Atatū South, where his talent was spotted at age ten tackling teenagers during weekend kick-abouts. He attended Henderson High School, transforming a mediocre first XV into a team capable of challenging regional heavyweights like Auckland Grammar and Kelston Boys High. His provincial debut for Auckland came in 1985 at age 20, scoring three tries against South Canterbury. Despite his skill, injuries plagued his career; he suffered two serious knee injuries in 1989 and 1997, plus a broken jaw in 1993. These setbacks meant he played only 55 international games during a period where New Zealand contested nearly 90 matches. His Christian beliefs were central to his identity; when asked how a Christian could be such an uncompromising tackler, he quoted the Bible: 'it's better to give than to receive.' This faith led him to decline selection for Sunday games in the 1991 World Cup and miss out on the 1995 squad entirely.

In Their Own Story

In 1987, Jones qualified for Western Samoa through his mother but chose to represent New Zealand after one cap for Samoa. He made his All Black debut in the inaugural Rugby World Cup that same year, scoring the tournament's first try. He played four games, including the final, as New Zealand claimed victory. In 1997, he succeeded Zinzan Brooke as captain of both Auckland and the Blues. However, by 1998, at age 33, he was dropped from the national team following a loss to Australia. He retired at the end of the 1999 season. After playing, Jones served as the national coach of Samoa from 2004 to 2007, having previously been an assistant during the 2003 World Cup. In his post-rugby life, he has managed a food bank in Avondale since 2002. His contributions were recognized with a knighthood in 2017 for services to the Pacific community and youth.

Reader's Guide

Michael Jones was selected by Rugby World magazine as the third-best All Black of the 20th century, behind only Colin Meads and Sean Fitzpatrick. John Hart, who first selected him for Auckland, described him as 'almost the perfect rugby player.' Statistically, he scored 13 international tries during his career, not the 23 often cited in broader databases. He was named one of the 'Five players of the year' by the Rugby Almanack of New Zealand in both 1988 and 1991. His club success includes nine NPC titles with Auckland between 1985 and 1999, a record 61 consecutive Ranfurly Shield defenses (1985–1993), and two Super 12 championships with the Blues in 1996 and 1997. In recognition of his legacy, a bronze statue depicting his 1987 World Cup try was unveiled outside Eden Park in 2011 by sculptor Natalie Stamilla. He holds the Samoan matai titles of La'auli and Savae.

Did You Know?

• Jones was named the third-best All Black of the 20th century by Rugby World magazine, trailing only Colin Meads and Sean Fitzpatrick.
• He refused to play on Sundays due to his Christian beliefs, which caused him to miss three games in the 1991 World Cup and led to his exclusion from the 1995 squad.
• A bronze statue of Jones depicting his try at the 1987 Rugby World Cup stands outside Eden Park, created by sculptor Natalie Stamilla.
• He qualified for Western Samoa through his mother and played one international match for them before switching to New Zealand in 1986.
• Jones managed a village trust food bank in Avondale from 2002 onwards, declining several return-to-rugby invitations due to these community demands.