Iconic Sir Michael Jones statue outside Eden Park for sale, buyer can remove from venue

Michael Jones, Natalie Stamilla (sculpter) and Geoff Dale at the unveiling of the statue. Photo / Photosport

An iconic statue of Sir Michael Jones outside Eden Park has been put up for sale and the new owner could remove it from the venue.

Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts, is offering for sale the historic bronze statue of the All Blacks legend, under instructions from the liquidators of CBL Insurance Limited.

The statue, which commemorates Jones scoring the opening try at the 1987 Rugby World Cup against Italy, was unveiled in 2011 and celebrates a significant moment in New Zealand rugby history.

It is made out of bronze, and is 4.2m long and 3m high, and the estimated original cost is $330,000.

Auckland artist Natalie Stamilla made the sculpture based on a photo taken by her dad and former NZ Herald photographer Geoff Dale. Stamilla also made the Sir Colin Meads statue, which is in Te Kūiti.

While there is no requirement for the statue to remain in situ, the preferred outcome is for it to remain on display at Eden Park.

Mitch Booth, a senior managing director at Gordon Brothers, said the sale gives somebody the chance to own a piece of rugby history.

“The Michael Jones statue is more than a work of art, it’s a symbol of sporting excellence and national pride,” Booth said.

“Owning this piece means embracing a legacy that unites the community and celebrates the spirit of rugby, which is a connection that goes beyond the game itself.”

The buyer of the piece will also receive a miniature version of the statue while they can display their name on the commemorative plaque.

Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said the statue is a special piece and urged any buyer to keep it in its rightful place.

“We welcome engagement with any potential buyer of the Sir Michael Jones bronze statue which is proudly located at Eden Park, the home of rugby in New Zealand and the fortress where many of the game’s most historic moments have been made,” Sautner said.

“Sir Michael scored the first try of the first-ever 1987 Rugby World Cup at Eden Park in his very first match for the All Blacks. This statue has deep significance, honouring not only that defining try, but Sir Michael’s continued contribution at Eden Park and the legacy of all All Blacks who have played on this ground.

“It is fitting that it remains at New Zealand’s national stadium, accessible to everyone who comes to Eden Park to reflect on our rugby history and share in those moments.”