Crusaders now own ex-Aust wing Ioane
New Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has ticked the first item off his shopping list by signing Digby Ioane on a two-year deal.
Former Wallabies wing Ioane, 31, who will play for the Honda Heat in Japan before transferring to Christchurch, will be familiar to those Crusaders fans who watched their side lose 18-13 to the Queensland Reds in the 2011 Super Rugby final.
A powerful ball carrier who possesses good footwork and also has experience at playing centre, Ioane scored a try in the Reds’ victory at Suncorp Stadium, and post-match entertained the crowd with some of his trademark dance moves.
Now it is hoped the heavily tattooed finisher, who played the last of his 35 tests for the Wallabies in 2013 and was on the books of French club Stade Francais before moving to Japan, can add some power to a Crusaders backline that will lose established wings Nemani Nadolo and Johnny McNicholl because they have signed with clubs in France and Wales.
"I love the intensity and tempo of Super Rugby and the New Zealand teams are leading the charge in that respect at the moment, so I can’t wait to be a part of that," Ioane, who played 86 Super Rugby games for the Western Force and Reds, stated.
Former Wallabies and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was among those he consulted prior to Crusaders.
No-one should expect Ioane, who was born in Wellington and has Samoan heritage, to try and clone Nadolo’s power-running.
At around 96kg, he weighs about 30kg less than the intimidating Fijian and is also three years older.
Robertson, who assumed the contracting duties for the Crusaders when he was confirmed as Todd Blackadder’s successor in June, has always given his Canterbury teams licence to move the ball and that isn’t expected to change for this new job in Super Rugby.
"Digby is a massive talent, who we believe still has plenty of top class playing years left in him despite his experience," Robertson said.
"Digby is in the best condition of his life right now and we are excited about what he can do for this team, with his remarkable ability to create opportunities and score tries.
‘‘We also know he will make a huge contribution off the field, with his energy, great character and good humour."
Although Robertson will also be buried deep in his job as Canterbury head coach in the coming months, he isn’t expected to sit on his hands; searching for potent attackers to add some menace to the backline is likely to be part of his brief.
Purchasing midfielders and another wing to complement Jone Macilai, who recently resigned with the club, may be at the top of that shopping list. signing with the