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This article is about Michael Niko Jones, a rugby player. For the article about the 'pioneer of Welsh freedom', see Michael D. Jones
Michael Niko Jones (born April 8 1965 in Apia) has been named as one of the world's greatest rugby union players of the all-time by the London Times and also the 3rd greatest all black of all-time after Colin Meads and Sean Fitzpatrick respectively. His nickname was the Iceman because he played the game with such a cool but confident manner.
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 been also 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 evidenced by his 13 tries as he seemed to be the either the tryscorer, involved in the tryscoring or the last person to throw the pass that would result in a try being scored.
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.
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.
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