Sir Micheal Jones

Jones, 53, was voted on to the NZR Board of Directors after being nominated by the Tasman Rugby Football Union.

The 55-Test cap former All Black headed off Dame Annette King in replacing outgoing member Glenn Wahlstrom on the 12-person Board.

NZR Chair Brent Impey said Jones would add considerable mana, knowledge and expertise to the table.

"Sir Michael has already made an immense contribution to New Zealand rugby both as a player at every level, and as a leader in the community.

Jones has been made a Knight Companion of the order for his services to the Pacific community and youth.

He wore a traditional red ulafala or necklace, to honour his Samoan heritage and received a long round of applause from the packed crowd after Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy bestowed the honour on him.

Jones was a member of the 1987 World Cup winning playing 55 games for the All Blacks between 1987-1998.

He also played for Samoa in 1986 and coached the Samoa national side between 2004-2007.