Sir Michael Jones: How faith and a village shaped the All Blacks icon

Sport Nation • July 14th, 2026 12:56 pm

Sir Michael Jones | Photo: Photosport

Sir Michael Jones says his journey to becoming one of New Zealand's most iconic All Blacks began long before the black jersey - in the streets, schools and rugby fields of West Auckland.

Joining Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy recently in Russell, Jones reflected on a life in rugby shaped by family, faith and community, saying the game was in his blood from an early age.

“Really young. Four years old, five years old,” Jones said of when his love for rugby began.

Raised by his Samoan mother after his father died when he was four, Jones said he was surrounded by a wider village of cousins, uncles, coaches and community figures who helped guide him.

“I had this wonderful village around me, including schools, coaches, good people in West Auckland who helped me fulfill that dream one day,” he said.

Jones spoke warmly about his rise from Henderson High to Waitematā, then into a star-studded Auckland side as a 20-year-old. He described joining a team packed with All Blacks as 'surreal', admitting he barely spoke during his first season donning the blue and white hoops.

Photo: Photosport

“I don’t think I squeaked, made a sound,” he said. “I was just seen and not heard.”

From there came the All Blacks, the first Rugby World Cup in 1987, and the honour of scoring the tournament’s first ever try against Italy. Jones recalled Gary Whetton giving him a simple instruction before kick-off.

“If you want to be a great All Black, score a try,” Jones said.

He did exactly that, and later helped the All Blacks win the inaugural World Cup at Eden Park, a moment he still rates as the highlight of his career, dubbing it as 'the most special' moment.

Jones also opened up on the faith that defined both his life and career, including his decision to not play on Sundays. He admitted there were difficult moments when he felt pressure - particularly when teammates needed him - but said he never wanted to compromise his convictions.

Photo: Photosport

“My faith has always been so strong,” he said.

“I knew that was what I had to do and I wasn’t going to compromise it.”

Jones remained grateful for the support he received from teammates and coaches.

“Not once did I ever get a negative response. The people that were close to me, I never had anything but love and support.”

Jones also reflected on the brutal knee injury he suffered against Argentina in 1989, describing the long road back as 'probably the hardest journey of my life.'

After 18 months of rehabilitation, he returned to rugby, then to Auckland, and finally back to the All Blacks.