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All Blacks and Auckland Blues midfielder Rieko Ioane is the latest player to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby penning a four year extension until 2027.
The 59-test All Black will now make it 20 All Blacks players who will extend their stay in New Zealand after this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
Of the 20, Ioane will become the second to be signed with New Zealand rugby after the next Rugby World Cup in 2027 alongside fellow Pacific brother Samisoni Taukei’aho.
“I’m proud to be signing through until 2027,” says Ioane.
“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 has built a foundation for this legacy, with an impressive career at such a young age. After making his first-class debut at the age of 17, Ioane has quickly developed an impressive resume.
Having started in 50 of his 59 Tests for the All Blacks, the 2017 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year has also competed at an Olympic Games with the All Blacks Sevens and represented the Māori All Blacks.
Ioane is a key leader for the Blues at Super Rugby level, with 92 caps (including one appearance against the British and Irish Lions) and 47 tries to his name. Developed by the club’s Under-17 and Under-18 sides, he has become one of the most lethal attacking weapons in the world
“This is great news,” says All Blacks head coach Ian 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.”
“Having Rieko on board for another four years is great news for our game,” says NZR CEO Mark Robinson.
“He is now one of the elite players in international rugby and is constantly growing in all areas.”
The former Auckland Grammar student has represented his province 18 times. The blue-and-white hoops remain close to Ioane’s heart and Auckland Rugby CEO Jarrod Bear is relishing the chance of working alongside one of the region’s most talented players.
“The Auckland Rugby community is incredibly proud of what Reiko has accomplished on the rugby field,” says Bear.
“It is exciting to have Rieko commit his playing future in New Zealand and representing the Blues, Auckland Rugby and his club Ponsonby.”
