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Phil Kingsley Jones, the former manager of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu, died after a period of poor health.
A statement from the Manukau Counties Rugby Union, whom Kingsley Jones served as ambassador, said the Welshman passed away peacefully on Tuesday. He was 72 years old.
His son, Kingsley Junior, the former Wales captain who coached Sale to his only English Premiership title, confirmed the news from his home in British Columbia, where he runs the Canadian team.
“Dad died peacefully in his sleep with his wife, Verina, and daughters Vikki and Rhianon by his bed,” Jones Jr. said. “His health was getting worse since he fell home a few months ago.
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“We will always remember him as a man who lived life to the fullest and, for all those who were lucky enough to have known him, he made the world a better place.
“Comedian, coach, and mentor to one of the best rugby players the world has ever seen, Dad was first and foremost a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
“We are all very proud of his accomplishments, not to mention his enormous influence on Counties Manukau rugby over a period of more than 30 years. His family and countless friends will miss him deeply. ”
Kinglsey Jones played many roles for Counties over the years, but was perhaps best known as the man who guided Lomu on his incredible journey from shy teenager to world rugby’s first star.
As his manager and confidant, Jones ensured the successful winger turned down lucrative offers from rival sports to stay in New Zealand and build a legacy with the All Blacks.
Before Lomu entered the scene at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Kinglsey Jones advised him not to accept a seven-figure offer from the Dallas Cowboys to play in the NFL.
Lomu’s shares on the world stage rose dramatically after the World Cup, but Kinglsey Jones made sure he stayed with the All Blacks after the Leeds Rhinos offered him a double deal worth £ 500,000 a year.
Kingsley Jones grew up in the Welsh Valleys and moved to New Zealand in 1983. “His colorful character and ability to connect with people, make them laugh and feel valued will be greatly missed by the Counties Manukau Rugby community,” says the release.
Former Maori and Steelers captain Errol Brain, who knew Kingsley Jones closely, paid tribute to his work in rugby, particularly with Lomu.
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Phil Kingsley Jones with Jonah Lomu in 1999.
“Phil would be one of the few people who could walk into any rugby club in the world and meet someone who wanted to buy him a beer. His exuberant personality, sharp brain and ability to think outside the square were a great gift, “said Brain.
“What he did for Jonah Lomu was groundbreaking. He was the pioneer that made Jonah the world’s first rugby superstar, while keeping him grounded and connected to what was important, which was our region. Such was the impact that many of the young people who are going through today still admire him and are aware of Jonah’s legacy. “
Kingsley Jones worked for Counties Manukau Rugby for 15 years for two terms. The first period was from 1989-1996 and the second period started in 2009 until 2017.
During that time, he held many roles in the union, including coaching coordinator, coaching director, development team coach, coach of junior representative teams, including the Counties U16 that beat Australia, sponsorship and new development manager. business.
Ross Land
Jonah Lomu, his then-wife Tanya Lomu and Phil Kingsley Jones come face to face with a wax portrait of Jonah made to be featured in the Madame Tussaud exhibition in Melbourne.
He also coached the Tonga national team, taking them on two tours to South Africa and the UK, which helped them qualify for the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
As a player agent, he also nurtured many of Counties’ player careers over many decades, and befriended them.
Known as an award-winning entertainer and comedian, Kinglsey Jones performed at the London Palladium, appeared on the UK talent show. New faces and was an MC on Butlins. He also worked around the world showcasing his outstanding wit, including shows with his close friends and rugby legends, the late Sir Colin Meads, Sir Bryan Williams and Buck Shelford.
Counties Manukau Rugby CEO Aaron Lawton said the union had lost a true icon.
“Phil really loved this union and we love him too,” Lawton said.
“Even during the last fortnight, when his health was deteriorating, he was working on the phones like in the old days to try to get new sponsors.
“We are truly devastated by the loss of such an important character and our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
“The Steelers will honor a true legend when they take the field Sunday against Hawke’s Bay in Napier.”
Phil is survived by his wife Verina, their three children, Kingsley, Vikki, Rhianon, his partners, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
