Michael Jones

Michael Jones was a devastating openside flanker for the All Blacks, scoring the first-ever Rugby World Cup try in 1987 and renowned for never playing on a Sunday.

Sir Michael Niko Jones KNZM was born on 8 April 1965 in Auckland, New Zealand, of Samoan descent, and attended Henderson High School before studying at the University of Auckland. A talented junior basketballer, the spring he developed from the sport helped him outjump much taller forwards despite his own relatively modest height for a flanker. Jones played once for Western Samoa in 1986 before switching allegiance to New Zealand ahead of the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup, becoming the first player in the tournament's history to score a try, in the opening match against Italy, and scoring again in New Zealand's final victory over France. He quickly developed into arguably the finest openside flanker the game had seen, renowned for his electric pace, punishing tackling, and instinctive positioning. A devout Christian, Jones refused to play matches on Sundays throughout his career, a stance that cost him appearances at multiple tournaments, including limiting him to just three matches at the 1991 World Cup and ruling him out of the 1995 tournament entirely — sacrifices that, combined with a serious knee injury suffered against Argentina in 1989, prevented him from accumulating a higher cap total. Jones earned 55 caps for New Zealand and won the 1987 World Cup and the inaugural Tri-Nations title in 1996, and was named the third-greatest All Black of the 20th century by Rugby World magazine, behind only Colin Meads and Sean Fitzpatrick. Nicknamed "Iceman," he later coached Samoa's national team from 2004 to 2007, honouring the heritage that had briefly brought him into that country's colours before his switch to New Zealand.

Jones was renowned for his exceptional speed and athleticism as an openside flanker, revolutionizing the position with his ability to support play across the field. His ball-handling skills were outstanding for a forward, and he possessed an uncanny ability to appear at the breakdown and create turnovers. He combined traditional forward skills with the pace and agility typically associated with backs.

Michael Jones is widely credited with redefining the modern openside flanker position, setting new standards for mobility and skill that influenced how the position is played today.

• Rugby World Cup winner 1987
• World Rugby Hall of Fame

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps
Blues	1996–1998	22
Auckland	1985–1998	105
New Zealand	—	55