New Zealand Rugby has made swift work locking down another key All Blacks player for the foreseeable future.
Outside centre Rieko Ioane on Wednesday became the latest Kiwi star to extend his contract with the 2022 Rugby Championship winners until after next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The 25-year-old has committed to staying in New Zealand to play for his country and Auckland-based franchise the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.
Ioane is the latest back to commit to the All Blacks after wing Sevu Reece last week signed a deal until late 2024, while utility back Jordie Barrett has recommitted until the end of 2025.
“I’m really excited to be signing through until 2023,” Ioane said in a statement. “My time with the Blues has been awesome.”
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The Blues reached last season’s Super Rugby final, losing at home to the Crusaders. “I love the turnaround we’ve had and I’m keen to continue building on what we have done as a team,” Ioane added.
The fleet-footed centre has played 56 Tests and is set to be a key part of the All Blacks’ bid to win next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
The All Blacks fly to Tokyo this weekend and Ioane is in the squad to play tour matches against Japan, Wales, Scotland and England.
“With the All Blacks, I feel as though we have started something special,” Ioane said. “I’m looking forward to a huge northern tour and putting in the work to get us in good shape for next year.”
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