Samoa turn to Jones

Former All Black Michael Jones has been appointed as the new Samoan coach.

10:46 07 April 2004

Former All Black Michael Jones has been appointed as the new Samoan coach, replacing fellow Kiwi interntaional John Boe.

The 39-year-old takes over from Boe after working as his assistant during the Pacific Islanders' 2003 World Cup campaign, and will take over for Samoa's opening game of the season against Tonga on May 29th.

Jones started his playing career with Samoa, but was soon snapped up by New Zealand, for whom he forged a reputation as one of the world's greatest flankers.

He scored the first ever World Cup try in the inaugural tournament in 1987, and achieved the same feat when the competition came around again four years later.

Jones ended his playing career with 55 Test caps for New Zealand, but missed out on the 1995 World Cup as a result of him being unwilling to play on Sundays.

He will take over with a view to preparing his side for their matches against Tonga, Scotland, and Fiji later this year, before turning his attentions to the next World Cup in France in 2007.

"This appointment is special to me and I am very humbled by it," Jones said.