Controversial Sunday Times columnist Stephen Jones has faced widespread backlash for a comment he made regarding the name of the recently deceased Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia.
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Kiingi Tuheitia passed away in New Zealand on Friday at the age of 69, a Kiingitanga (Maori King movement) spokesperson confirmed to the PA news agency. He had been recovering in hospital following heart surgery.
King Charles expressed his shock and sadness over the death of Kiingi Tuheitia, describing the two as having a long-standing friendship.
“I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades,” King Charles said in a statement. “He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Maori and Aotearoa New Zealand, founded upon culture, traditions, and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion. His death is a particular shock, especially as I had only recently spoken to Kiingi on the telephone at the beginning of August.”
Jones has been heavily criticized on social media after suggesting in his column that the length of the late king’s name would have been too long to fit on an All Blacks jersey, had he ever played for New Zealand.
In his article, the Welsh rugby pundit wrote: “The All Blacks took the field wearing black armbands in honour of Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero the Seventh, the Maori king who passed away last week. No doubt very sad, although thank God he never made the All Blacks because they would never have space to put his name on a jersey.”
Fans were quick to condemn the remark. One commented, “Stephen Jones being an utter embarrassment.” Another added, “For one, I am glad Stephen Jones is Welsh and therefore not my problem.” A third wrote, “Stephen Jones has always been one for crossing the line, but this is indefensible. Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like rugby media has more wtf comments than other sports.”
RICHIE MCCAW: TOUGHEST OPPONENTS
The legendary flanker, who won a record 148 caps for the All Blacks between 2001 and 2015, went toe-to-toe with some of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of boots during his stellar career.
#5. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 2 in
- Weight 218 lb
- Caps 80
Dusautoir made his international debut against Romania in 2006 before making a name for himself the following year when France stunned New Zealand 20-18 in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The former France skipper also scored a try and was named man of the match in the 2011 World Cup final when New Zealand avenged their defeat of four years earlier with an 8-7 win in the final.
Richie McCaw said: “Over the years I’ve played him a few times and you always know he’s there,” said McCaw of Dusautoir. “He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace”
DID YOU KNOW? He broke the record for most tackles in a match, making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup