Niko Jones, son of All Blacks legend, signs with American club Old Glory DC

Rising star Niko Jones, who is the son of legendary All Black Sir Michael Jones, has signed with Old Glory DC for the rest of the Major League Rugby season.

Jones started his first match of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign last weekend, as Moana Pasifika went down swinging against a resurgent Queensland Reds side in Samoa.

Old Glory DC announces the singing of New Zealand back row player, Niko Jones, to the DC squad for the remainder of #MLR2023 🏉

Jones comes to DC having previously spent time with Moana Pacifika and Auckland Rugby. #UpTheFlags | @SousVideCuisine pic.twitter.com/GSj2hYkPpI

— Old Glory DC (@OldGloryDC) April 18, 2023

With his father in the crowd, the 22-year-old played in an historic match at Apia Stadium – it was the first time ever that Moana Pasifika had hosted a Super Rugby Pacific clash in Samoa.

But Jones will continue his rugby development in the United States, where he’ll link up with former All Blacks Sevens star Kurt Baker in Washington.

As reported by RugbyPass in January last year, Jones has previously been linked with a move to the the States.

Injuries stunted the flankers gametime at provincial level with Auckland, as he was held to just seven games over two years.

But an opportunity to play for Moana Pasifika proved too good to turn down at the time.

“Things kind of fell into place to end up here, I didn’t expect it so it’s all come full circle,” Jones told One News Sport.

“It’s been a journey of rugby, injuries and not making all the teams, that’s a part of the game and if anything I’ve grown from it and I’m in a good place now.

“I’m feeling in really good shape physically and all those sorts of things.”

Old Glory DC are coming off a hard-fought 42-31 win over reigning MLR champions New York, which included a 30-point blitz in the second half.

The Washington-based outfit are currently fourth in the east, but trail second-place New York by just one competition point.

Since entering the league in the 2020 season – which was suspended due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic – Old Glory have failed to reach the postseason in two attempts