Superstar centre Rieko Ioane has become the latest All Black to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby (NZR), agreeing a new contract until 2027.
Ioane has also signed with the Blues in a deal that will see him remain in the country until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“Cementing a legacy”
The star is delighted to have put pen to paper and is eager to continue representing the Blues and All Blacks as he looks to cement a “legacy”.
“I’m proud to be signing through until 2027,” Ioane said. “I’m grateful to represent the city of Auckland and right now this is the best place for me, my family and my rugby.
“I’m keen to continue building on what we have at the Blues and the All Blacks. I have goals I want to achieve on the domestic and international stage, so this is a commitment to completing those while cementing a legacy.”
The 26-year-old already has 59 Test caps and has developed into a crucial star for the All Blacks since bursting onto the scene.
“Massive boost”
Current New Zealand head coach Ian Foster was pleased with the news and praised the player and person Ioane has grown into.
“This is great news,” said Foster. “Rieko has grown immensely as a person and a player. And having him commit to NZR and the All Blacks for the next four years is a massive boost for our team.”
NZR chief Mark Robinson echoed Foster’s sentiment and is happy to have locked in one of the world’s elite players.
“Having Rieko on board for another four years is great news for our game,” said Robinson. “He is now one of the elite players in international rugby and is constantly growing in all areas.”
The Blues has been the foundation for Ioane to develop and grow as he has done over 92 appearances. The club’s chief Andrew Hore knows the value of the superstar and looks forward to him contributing to the Blues future.
“Rieko has been a standout performer for the Blues since joining the club in 2016,” said Hore. “His ability on the rugby field is clear for everyone to see – he has exceptional speed and skills mixed in with that natural flair we have come to love over many seasons.
“He grew up in our region, attended school in Auckland and this extension gives him an opportunity to have a greater input in driving the vision of our club forward.”
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