All Blacks: Rieko Ioane signs new deal to commit to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2023

All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane will be available to play in the 2023 Rugby World Cup after agreeing a new short-term contract with New Zealand Rugby.

The deal will take him through until the end of next year, after the global tournament in France has concluded.

Ioane will also remain with the Blues and take part in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign that begins in late February.

Started something special

“I’m really excited to be signing through until 2023,” the 25-year-old said. “My time with the Blues has been awesome. I love the turnaround we’ve had and I’m keen to continue building on what we have done as a team.

“With the All Blacks, I feel as though we have started something special. I’m looking forward to a huge northern tour and putting in the work to get us in good shape for next year.”

It is a positive piece of news for All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, who has a key part of his side committed to the country ahead of the World Cup in France.

However, Ioane has equally kept his options open for the next stage of his career, whether that’s a move to Europe or a long-term deal with New Zealand Rugby, which possibly includes a sabbatical in Japan.

“Rieko is a young man with a massive amount of international experience. So to have his commitment through till the end of the World Cup is pleasing for us. And hopefully for longer after that,” Foster said.

World-class centre

After starting his career on the wing, where he became an undoubted world-class performer with both the Blues and All Blacks, Ioane has successfully transitioned to centre.

His Super Rugby franchise played a key role in that conversion and they hope he continues his fine form next season.

“We’re looking forward to another big season for Rieko, he’s playing some of the best rugby of his career,” Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said.

“Rieko has been with the Blues since he was a teenager, he’s been through our system and is part of our Blues family, so to have him contracted again is great news.

“He is a leader on and off the field, and is now in a position to pass on his knowledge and experience to our younger squad members. We are looking forward to him continuing to be a world-class centre for the club.”

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