Kaino: Tough call

BLUES and All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino says he agonised long and hard before making the call to finish his storied rugby career in France.

It was announced midweek that the 34-year-old double World Cup champion with the All Blacks would join Toulouse in France after he finished his Super Rugby commitments with the Blues.

But until now Kaino has remained silent on his decision to head offshore for the final chapter of his career. He declined to speak to the media after the announcement of his departure came out of New Zealand Rugby headquarters on Wednesday.

But after the Blues’ frustrating 27-21 defeat to the Chiefs at Eden Park on Friday night, Kaino told the Star-Times that his move had not been the fait accompli that many presumed it to be in the wake of his troubled last season with the All Blacks.

Kaino, who has played 81 tests for the All Blacks in a career that stretches back to 2004, said there was a sense of relief about having finally secured his pathway beyond this season.

‘‘It was hanging over us for a while,’’ he told the Star-Times. ‘‘It’s good to have the future locked down for the meantime and have a decision made so I can focus on what’s right in front of me and give that my best.

‘‘Of course, it was really tough. Having devoted my life to being here in New Zealand, to some extent you’re in your little comfort zone. I’m a home boy at heart. I love being here at home. But at some stage the circle of life has to happen.’’

The move made sense. Kaino had his troubles in 2017 when an Australian tabloid’s revelations about his private life forced him to take a protracted period away from the game through the Rugby Championship.

The bruising loose forward played the first four tests of the year, starting at No 6 in all three internationals in the historic drawn series against the British and Irish Lions, but then never made it back into the top lineup thereafter.

He featured on the November tour, but was forced to make an early return home after picking up a knee injury in the opening clash against the Barbarians. By then it had become clear he had been surpassed by both Liam Squire and Vaea Fifita in the No 6 pecking order.

But Kaino said he would leave the New Zealand game with his head held high after an outstand- ing international career. He formed one of the finest loose trios in All Blacks history alongside Richie McCaw and Kieran Read, and was a standout performer in both the 2011 and 2015 World Cup triumphs.

‘‘I’m very proud, and I have very fond memories of my time playing here,’’ added Kaino. And he still hoped to create one more positive experience in his farewell campaign with the Blues. ‘‘It’s not the best start, but I’m looking forward to topping it off with a great season with the Blues.’’

But Kaino, who came off the