The All Black great Laauli Michael Jones has been knighted in the New Zealand Queens Birthday honors list.
Jones, who is also a former Manu Samoa player and coach, has gained a knighthood for his services to the Pacific community and to youth.
Sir Michael said he intended to honor the appointment with the same pride and respect he had for the All Blacks jersey he once wore.
“You get privileged with a platform and a position of influence, and I’ve always realized I have to take that seriously and be a good steward of that,” he said.
“It’s probably the greatest gift rugby gave me and I’d love to be able to use that mandate, or that honor, to hopefully make even more of a contribution,” he said.
The 56 test veteran said he did not intend to change too much.
“I’m sure I will still always be called ‘Bubs’ by my big sisters and ‘Uncle Mickey’ by my niece and nephews and ‘Iceman’ by my friends,” he said.
“But I’ll just have to get used to Sir now and again but I feel very very humbled but it’s going to take a while to get used to it.”
Laauli is married to Malienafau Forsgren, daughter of Anders and Leone Forsgren who own Laufou Shopping Center and Forsgren’s Store.
