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'It’s a jewel in our crown': Kamo celebrates Northland’s NPC impact
Jaxin Daniels • October 28th, 2026 6:00 am
Rivez Reihana leads Northland ahead of their first Ranfurly Shield defence | Photo: Craig Butland/Photosport
Ian 'Kamo' Jones says Northland’s memorable NPC campaign has reminded New Zealand Rugby of the unique connection between provincial teams and their communities.
The Taniwhas' run to the final captured the imagination of supporters across the country, with local players and strong backing from the Northland community helping fuel the team’s rise.
“Bursting with pride, not just me but Northland across the whole region,” Jones told Sport Nation Afternoons host Mark Stafford.
“The Tanis reignited rugby in general, didn’t they? The viewership, the crowds that we were getting to Okara Park.
"It was rugby we all loved."
Northland's Rob Rush and Brady Rush arriving home with the Ranfurly Shield | Photo: Craig Butland/Photosport
For Jones, the season showed why provincial rugby remains an important part of the New Zealand game, and a pathway for future All Blacks.
“This beautiful thing of NPC sets us apart from the world,” he said. “How do you make an All Black? Well, get them playing NPC rugby, get them loving that competitive game at that level.”
The team’s connection with the region was especially powerful, Jones said, with many players having grown up and played their junior rugby in Northland.
“When you have that connection to something, when that something's bigger than you, you give so much more,” he said.
"They gave us joy, they gave us grit, they gave us determination, they gave us that never say die attitude and they gave us results.
"Because they gave us all that, the community, the crowd, gave them everything back."
Saluting the 2026 NPC season | Scotty & Izzy
Jones also praised Rob Rush for choosing to remain with the Taniwha, saying his decision to turn down overseas offers was an example of the loyalty and community ties that make provincial rugby special.
“He will go down as one of our greats. He’s a true inspiration," Jones said.
"There will be young people playing for Mid Northern Rugby Club or other clubs in the region that want to be like Robert Rush.
“Money doesn't buy you that standing, that legacy, that connection that the Rush family has with the Cambridge Blue.”
Mid Northern Rugby Club captain on their double men's titles | Scotty & Izzy
Turning to the All Blacks’ Northern Tour squad, Jones said he wanted to see New Zealand build on lessons from South Africa, particularly by matching opponents physically and maintaining pressure throughout the match.
“I want to see some of the lessons that we learned from South Africa, how we need to impose ourselves physically, how we need to be relentless when we have that opportunity,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of impact from the bench, saying replacements need to lift the team rather than simply maintain the same level.
“When people coming off the bench, they go to ignite it, they actually got to bring something more than the person they're replacing,” Jones said.
Jones said he wanted the All Blacks to keep fans connected through clear communication from the coaches and an honest explanation of the team’s direction.
“As fans I'm with you guys, I am there,” he said. “That's what I want from this tour.”
Jones also gave a shout-out to the Black Ferns, praising the support they have received in Whangārei.
Listen to the full interview below:
