Ian Jones Gets Back To His Roots On Sky Television

Media Release
July 2, 2003.

IAN JONES GETS BACK TO HIS ROOTS ON SKY TELEVISION

Former All Black legend Ian Jones hosts SKY Television's Toyota Grassroots Rugby - the show that takes you back to club level rugby - screening every Thursday night on the Rugby Channel.

From coast to coast, Jones keeps you up to date with what is happening in club level rugby, which is constantly overshadowed by the Super 12, NPC and international seasons, but no less engaging.

Each week local players, zealous supporters and other colourful characters share their unique stories and exploits that hit home about what New Zealand rugby is all about.

Club rugby is where all the greats such as Ian Jones developed their on-field instincts and skills. Still not one to miss out on the action, in this week's episode screening Thursday, July 3 at 7pm, Jones dons a Barbarians jersey and takes his familiar place in the forward pack to take-on the Toyota Japan Development team.

In the same episode, Jones heads to Te Kuiti where Colin "Pine Tree" Meads old team, Waitete take-on Kio.

Toyota Grassroots Rugby Producer, Marie Veitch said of the show, "As we visit these great clubs around New Zealand, it is really striking how important Rugby and especially Club Rugby, still is in the community life of our country."

"Our overriding theme when first set out to make the show was 'a sense of community' and we believe that Toyota GrassRoots Rugby totally reflects that amazing kiwi community down at the local rugby club", Veitch said.

"From the people who give their time out of the goodness of their hearts, to set up and look after clubs and grounds, the refs, the players - kids and grownups, the supporters, the fund raisers. They all deserve a medal", Veitch said.

It is this unbridled passion that demands the attention of All Black selectors. During the series, Jones heads to Christchurch to watch Ben Blair, Mark Hammet and Andrew Mehertens in the Marist Albion versus High School Old Boys match at which an All Black selector is present.

Catch Ian Jones in Toyota Grassroots Rugby every Thursday night on the SKY Television's Rugby Channel (encore screening follows on SKY Sport 1 directly afterward).

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