Niko Jones

An openside flanker with Samoan international ambitions, Niko Jones plies his trade in the back row for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific. Born on 22 July 2000, he is a specialist breakdown operator whose game is built around the contest for possession — jackaling over the ball, competing for turnovers and putting pressure on the opposition at the ruck. His high work rate sees him appear all over the park, linking phases in attack and filling in defensively where required. As an openside, Jones is tasked with being first to the breakdown and disruptive in the tackle area, a role that demands fitness, anticipation and a willingness to put his body on the line repeatedly across eighty minutes. He carries with intent in the loose and looks to keep the ball alive for his support runners. With Moana Pasifika, a side representing the Pacific Island rugby community, Jones forms part of a loose-forward group that prides itself on physicality and tireless effort. He continues to build his reputation as a disruptive presence at the breakdown and a key cog in the Moana Pasifika pack.