Rugby World Cup
Eden Park gets statue of historic Jones try
ESPNscrum Staff
April 5, 2011
Former All Black and Rugby World Cup ambassadow Michael Jones poses with British foreign secretary William Hague (R) and New Zealand's foreign minister Murray McCully during a signing of a 'host to host agreement', Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, Janaury 21, 2011
Michael Jones will be the subject of a larger than life statue © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
The East Terrace: Wales in World Cup panic
Players/Officials: Michael Jones
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: New Zealand

A huge NZ$300,000 bronze statue of Michael Jones diving to score the first ever Rugby World Cup try in 1987 will be displayed at the redeveloped Eden Park for this year's event.

Legendary All Blacks flanker Jones scored the first try at the first World Cup at Eden Park as New Zealand opened the tournament they co-hosted with Australia with a 70-6 victory over Italy.

Auckland artist Natalie Stamilla says she has secured funding for the sculpture, which will be 150% greater than life size and is based on a photo taken by her press photographer father Geoff Dale in 1987. It will be placed on permanent loan to Eden Park.

The sculpture pattern has just been completed, with casting expected to begin shortly to ensure it will be completed and installed by August.

The Rugby World Cup returns to New Zealand this year for the first time since the inaugural event. It begins on September 9 at Eden Park with a match between New Zealand and Tonga, and ends at the same venue with the final on October 23.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices