All Blacks icon in awe of Welsh coach doing it the hard way

NEW Zealand legend Tana Umaga says he “can’t speak more highly” of former Wales captain Stephen Jones after the ex-fly-half moved across the world to join his coaching team at Moana Pasifika and came close to making history with the Super Rugby Pacific side.

- JOHN JONES

After leaving his role as Wales’ attack coach at the end of 2022 - having been deemed surplus to requirements following Warren Gatland’s return as head coach - Jones flew to New Zealand and became Umaga’s assistant coach at Moana Pasifika the following year, a decision which he said was a “no-brainer”.

Working alongside the former All Blacks captain, Jones has helped to turn around the club's fortunes, as they came agonisingly close to sealing a historic first-ever play-off place this season, having finished rock bottom of the table for two successive campaigns before the Welshman’s arrival.

The 47-year-old has spoken openly about how much he is enjoying his new life in New Zealand, admitting he has been “blown away” by the beauty of the Pacific culture while also thriving in a more open coaching environment with Umaga and his staff.

But the feeling is mutual, with Umaga full of praise for Jones as he spoke of their relationship and hailed him as a “top-notch person” as well as a “legendary” player and quality coach.

“Oh, it's been such a pleasure with Stephen,” he told Casino.org UK. “I've got a lot of time and respect for him - not just as a rugby coach, but as a person.