Ultimate warrior off to Toulouse
All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino heads to round out his storied career in Toulouse later this year with the blessing of a team for whom he always saved his best rugby.
New Zealand Rugby yesterday confirmed that double World Cupwinner Kaino was heading to France (to play at the Toulouse club alongside long-time teammate Charlie Faumuina) at the end of his Super Rugby campaign with the Blues. He would not be required for All Blacks duty, ending his international career with 81 caps, and those two global triumphs under his belt.
Kaino, now 34, had been surpassed on the national pecking order by Liam Squire and Vaea Fifita after a troubled 2017 campaign that saw him take a long break from the All Blacks to deal with personal issues.
But his body of work for the All Blacks remains untarnished by the off-key conclusion to his time in the test arena. He was a key figure in both the 2011 and ‘15 World Cup triumphs and carved an outstanding career as one of the finest to have pulled on the black No 6 jersey.
His physicality, defensive fortitude, ball-carrying and durability were immense for the All Blacks, especially throughout those twin World Cup campaigns. Along with Richie McCaw and Kieran Read he formed one of the finest loose forward trios in the team’s history.
‘‘Jerome will leave New Zealand rugby with our best wishes,’’ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. ‘‘He’s had a long and distinguished career in the All Blacks jersey and brought a physicality and skill level to his game which made him the best in the world in his position.’’
Added NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew: ‘‘He helped set the benchmark for modern loose forward play with his dominant performances over the years, highlighted by his outstanding play at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.’’