Rising rugby star Niko Jones has put an end to rumours that he would sign with the Crusaders, by commiting to Auckland Rugby for the next two years.
It's the second piece of good news in one month for the 17-year-old who recently signed a contract with the All Blacks Sevens squad.
There's no doubt Sir Michael Jones has left a legacy at Auckland Rugby so, when Jones was faced with the decision to stay home or continue the family name down south, he chose his roots.
"He's a great dad, he's supportive in every way - he helps me to grow as a man and with rugby. He is hard on me but it's always for the best."
A development route not taken by his dad, instead Jones took inspiration from All Blacks wing Reiko Ioane.
"I remember watching Reiko and all those guys doing it out of school and I was like man, that's amazing to be able to do that - so for me to be in that similar position is like amazing and unbelievable, I never thought I would be here," he says.
With Auckland often criticised for letting its schoolboy stars head across the Bombays, Jones' signature is reason to celebrate.
The deal keeps Jones close to his new base in Mt Maunganui with the All Blacks Sevens.
"It's different, the life of a professional, and I never thought I'd be living this life, and I've got a lot of adjusting to do," Jones says.
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