Michael Jones

Michael Jones is one of the finest All Blacks of all time. He has been named by Rugby World Magazine as the third best All Black of the 20th century and he was also once described as “almost the perfect rugby player”. Michael Jones RugbyPass Hall of Fame

Born 8 April 1965, Michael Jones was discovered by scouts at an early age. When he was 10, he was already tackling and competing with 15 to 18 year-olds. Throughout his junior career, he often played 2-3 age groups ahead of his usual age group due to his stature and build.

As a result, Michael Jones made his first appearance for Auckland in 1985. He stayed with the club for the entirety of his domestic career and also represented the Blues in Super Rugby between 1996 and 1999.

As a member of these Auckland-based teams, Michael Jones was part of sides that dominated New Zealand rugby in the 1980s and 90s. Between 1985 and 1999, Auckland won nine NPC titles, five Super 6 championships and defended the Ranfurly Shield a record 61 consecutive times (between 1985 and 1993). In addition, the Blues won the first two Super 12 competitions in 1996 and 1997. On top of this, in 1997, he succeeded Zinzan Brooke as captain of Auckland and the Blues.

Due to his impressive performances for the Auckland sides, Michael Jones also made 55 appearances for New Zealand during his career (as well as one appearance for Samoa). In truth, he should have played more often for the All Blacks. However, due to his religious beliefs, he refused to play on Sundays. He also suffered from several big injuries, including two serious knee injuries and a broken jaw. Thankfully, he played in the final of the inaugural edition of the Rugby World Cup, when New Zealand were victors.

Since retiring from rugby in 1999, Michael Jones has enjoyed a stint as the coach of Samoa. In 2003, he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was appointed Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the Pacific community and youth.