Introducing AIA Vitality ambassador: Ian Jones

What’s more, Ian scored 14 tries and made 38 appearances in the early years of Super Rugby where he captained the Chiefs. At the time of his retirement, Ian was the second most capped All Black to have ever played. A true sporting legend, Ian is also someone that understands what it’s like to balance the struggle of health and wellbeing.

After Ian retired from professional rugby, he found that his physical and mental health declined: “I thought I’d take some time out but that didn’t work so well for me. My body started to ache, my mental state wasn’t so good, and I wasn’t that fun to be around.” Ian decided that he needed to continue his health journey, so he got involved in adventure and multisport racing. 

In March 2017, a few short weeks before his 50th birthday, Ian completed the Taupo Ironman, one of the most gruelling multisport events in the world. “Little by little, step by step, if you do the small things … you can achieve great results.”

A Sky Sports commentator and busy husband and father, it’s impressive he still finds the time for events like this. “I’ve played at the very top of elite sport. But for me, my sport has never defined me. My family is what defines me. Being a father and a husband helps to put things in perspective.”