Jones to link up with Super Rugby's Moana Pasifika

Fly-half Stephen Jones played 104 internationals for Wales and six Tests for the British and Irish Lions

Former Wales captain and assistant coach Stephen Jones is set to head to New Zealand to link up with Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika.

The 45-year-old had been involved with Wales since the 2019 World Cup when he replaced Rob Howley.

Jones has accepted an offer to link up with the Moana Pasifika side coached by former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.

Former Wales fly-half Jones has had previous coaching role stints in club rugby with Wasps and Scarlets.

Moana Pasifika is a team made up of players from various Pacific Island nations, as well as New Zealand or Australian-born players of Pasifika heritage, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

They are based in Auckland but have been planning home games in Tonga and Samoa in 2024.

The team was originally created for a one-off match against the Maori All Blacks in December 2020, with the intention of joining the Super Rugby competition.

• Stephen Jones and Gethin Jenkins leave Wales coaching roles
• Wales fly-half Patchell signs one-year deal with Highlanders

New Zealand Rugby confirmed the side had been granted an unconditional licence for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season and they played their inaugural match in the tournament in March 2022.

Umaga has taken over the head coach role after replacing Aaron Mauger as the side prepare for their third season.

In the 2023 campaign they won one game out of 14 and finished bottom of the table but former All Black wing Julian Savea has signed for 2024.

The opening game of the 2024 season will be against the Highlanders on Saturday, 24 February.