Ioane brothers set to remain at Blues
Rieko and Akira Ioane will remain with the Blues for the foreseeable future, providing New Zealand Rugby gets the national component of their new contracts over the line.
After being outed by the Hurricanes on Monday, Blues coach Tana Umaga was obliged to clear the air on the retention of the star duo at yesterday’s training session ahead of their upcoming Super Rugby match against the men from the capital.
Canes assistant, and head coach in waiting, John Plumtree revealed that Blues No 8 Akira Ioane had been shopped around the New Zealand franchises, and admitted they had been interested in the talented loose forward who continues to play at a high level for his franchise.
‘‘We’re not chasing Akira now because we believe he’s staying with the Blues,’’ said Plumtree. ‘‘He was made available to every franchise in the country a little while ago and I’m sure there were a lot of clubs interested.’’
Umaga confirmed the Ioane brothers, providing they come to terms with New Zealand Rugby, would stay right where they are as cornerstones of his potential final shot at turning the beleaguered Blues franchise around.
The coach has been given a one-year contract extension and charged with returning the Blues to title contention along with new assistant Leon MacDonald. He would have been desperate to retain both.
‘‘As far as I know [the contracts] are with New Zealand,’’ said Umaga. ‘‘When you sign here there are two people that need to get the deal done. At this stage they know what we’re offering and it’s down to NZ Rugby now.’’
In terms of Akira Ioane being offered to rival franchises, Umaga shrugged it off as part of the professional landscape.
‘‘That’s the agent’s prerogative. That’s his job trying to get the best for his client. It’s not great for us, or it hasn’t been, but the positive thing is that he’s staying with us.’’
There has never been any doubt that Rieko Ioane would remain where he is, given that the 21-year-old is now rated the world’s premier wing.