| Michael Niko Jones |
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Information AboutMichael Niko Jones |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT MICHAEL NIKO JONES | |
| 1965 births | |
| jones, michael | |
| living people | |
| all blacks | |
| new zealand rugby union footballers | |
| rugby union flankers | |
| samoan new zealanders | |
| international rugby hall of fame members | |
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Jones played as primarily as an Openside Flanker , making his international debut for New Zealand during the 1987 Rugby Union World Cup , but had played one test the previous year for Samoa , for whom he qualified through his parents. He had made his first-class debut in 1985 for his Auckland provincial side in the National Provincial Championship . During his 55 test career he scored 13 tries. Jones has also been credited with revolutionising the loose forward or Openside Flanker , position with his physical prowess, superior fitness, and uncanny natural instincts to be wherever the Rugby Ball would be as evidenced by his 13 tries. He seemed to be either the Tryscorer , involved in the tryscoring, or the last person to throw the pass that would result in a try being scored. Highlighting this is the fact that he was the first person to score a try in each of the first two Rugby World Cups, in 1987 and 1991. His career was severely affected by injury, so much so that he only played 55 full internationals yet was first choice whenever his physical condition allowed, during a period when New Zealand played almost 90 internationals. His number of appearances was also affected by his strong Christian beliefs, refusing to play on Sundays. Despite his stand on Sunday play he was selected for All Blacks World Cup teams which played predominantly on Sundays leading up to the finals. Jones has been a positive role model, particularly for Pacific Islander youth in New Zealand, both during his career and since his retirement in 1998 . He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall Of Fame in 2003 . EXTERNAL LINKS |
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