Ian Jones

Ian Jones is one of New Zealand’s most capped All Blacks and greatest Locks. Now retired from the game, he is a highly-respected presenter/commentator for Sky TV and an ambassador for Philips New Zealand. Ian was appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2010, for services to rugby.

An articulate keynote speaker, Ian Jones presents on coaching, leadership and team dynamics. He seamlessly relates sport to business, always with a generous dose of humour.

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At 6’6″, long and lanky Ian Jones overcame early concerns about his perceived lack of bulk to become one of New Zealand’s greatest ever rugby locks. Between his debut in 1989 and retirement from test rugby in 1999 he had played 105 games for the All Blacks including 79 test matches, second only to Sean Fitzpatrick with 92 in the era he played.

A product of Northland, Ian will forever be known by the nickname ‘Kamo’ after the Whangarei suburb in which he grew up. His first cap for the All Blacks was at Dunedin’s Carisbrook against Scotland in 1990, where he scored a try on debut. From 1990 through to 1997, Ian was an automatic selection for the All Blacks. He and Robin Brooke formed one of the most enduring locking partnerships in international rugby. They were the ideal combination, with one commanding the front of the line out and the other the middle. While Robin was a hardnosed grinder, Ian had the ball skills in the open. In the Super 12, Ian made 38 appearances, often as captain, for the Chiefs between 1996 and 1999.

Ian had a three-year stint in English rugby with Gloucester and WASPS before returning to Auckland to work as a presenter/commentator for Sky TV and an ambassador for Philips New Zealand.