Ioane brothers pen new deals

– Rising stars the Ioane brothers have committed their services to the All Blacks and Blues on long-term deals, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said yesterday.

Winger Rieko, 21, signed until the end of the 2022 season, while loose forward Akira’s contract runs until the end of 2021, it said.

Rieko is the current World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year and has scored 18 tries in as many Tests since his 2016 debut.

Akira, 23, is yet to earn his first Test cap but played for the All Blacks against a French XV in Lyon last year.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Akira was “an immense talent” and Reiko was already accomplished on the big stage. –

Wellington