Is Michael Jones’ son Nico really heading to Canty?
The standout schoolboy son of Auckland and All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones is weighing a move south to launch his professional rugby career in Crusaders country. Niko Jones, who had a fairytale season with the national champion St Peter’s College first XV, is being heavily pursued by a number of unions for his first season out of the schoolboy ranks, including his hometown Auckland and their staunch southern rivals Canterbury. It’s understood that Christchurch is the favoured destination, though Sir Michael, a NZ Rugby board member, told Stuff a decision on where his son would play his rugby in 2019 had yet to be made. Niko is in his final year at St Peter’s and about to sit final exams, so any call on where he heads is unlikely to be made until he is clear of those commitments. Given his father’s standing as one of the greats of Auckland rugby, it would be an interesting call if Niko did choose to launch his career in the renowned Canterbury and Crusaders system. It would be a potential blow to Auckland and the Blues to have one of their most promising prospects snatched from under their noses. Keeping premium talent in the region has been identified as one of the weaknesses of the struggling Super Rugby franchise. It’s understood the family is leaning towards Christchurch for a number of reasons, including rugby development, education and the potential positive spinoffs from him playing outside the city where his father carved such an outstanding career. A potential tie-in with Lincoln University is being closely looked at, with Niko, an outstanding student as well as rugby talent, keen to continue his studies at the next level. It is not known whether the dramatic turnaround in fortunes for the Auckland provincial team under the new coaching group headed by Alama Ieremia has forced any sort of a rethink from the Jones family. Sir Michael told Stuff they were still working through the process of deciding Niko’s next move and that no deal had been signed as yet, and then referred all questions on the subject to New Zealand Rugby. NZ Rugby did not respond to our request for comment on the situation. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson admitted they were very interested in the prospect of Jones joining their highly credentialed development system on the back of such an impressive schoolboy career. ‘‘But because he’s still at school he’s not contactable in regards to the collective agreement with NZ Rugby,’’ said Robertson. ‘‘He’s a prestigious young talent, and he’s definitely on our watch-list.’’ Auckland Rugby did not want to comment on their prospects for keeping arguably their premier schoolboy star in the city, but say they are working on their development and retention programmes in the wake of their breakthrough Premiershipwinning season. They are certainly speaking to Jones’ representatives and remain hopeful they can persuade the youngster to launch his career in his home city. Sir Michael’s relationship with Auckland Rugby might also be a factor in the decision. One insider indicated there might be a disconnect there after a recent attempt by the All Blacks great to get on to the union’s board was knocked back. Niko, a ball-playing No 8, had a brilliant season in his final year at St Peter’s, leading the side to both the Auckland 1A and national championship titles. He was hugely impressive as they defeated King’s College in a tense Auckland final, and then roared back from a 21-0 deficit to roll past Napier Boys’ High in the national final. He was MVP of the New Zealand tournament.
He’s a prestigious young talent, and he’s definitely on our watchlist.