Opinion
An Auckland artist will rush to complete an enormous bronze statue of Michael Jones for the Rugby World Cup after last-minute funding was approved.
Natalie Stamilla's plan to construct a 1 1/2 scale sculpture of Jones was set back last year due to Eden Park's hesitation in backing it, and a lack of cashflow.
But Contractors Bonding Ltd have stumped up $300,000 to fund the project, which will be on permanent loan to the redeveloped stadium.
The sculpture immortalises one of the most famous images in Rugby World Cup history - Jones diving across the try-line against Italy in the 1987 tournament.
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