All Blacks center Rico Ione has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2023.
Looking to earn selection for his second Rugby World Cup, the 25-year-old has committed to staying with the Blues in New Zealand for the DHL Super Rugby Pacific and the Bunnings Warehouse NPC in Auckland.
“I am very happy to sign until 2023,” said Ioane. “My time with the Blues has been incredible. I love the turnaround we’ve had and I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve done as a team.”
“With the All Blacks, I feel we have started something special. I’m looking forward to a great northern tour and working to be in good shape next year.
Ioane’s list of international accolades includes Olympic Games in Rugby Sevens, selection for the Maori All Blacks and captaining the New Zealand High Schools team. The 2017 World Rugby Breakout Player of the Year is now in his seventh season with the All Blacks, where he has played 56 caps with 48 in the starting XV.
All Blacks manager Ian Foster was in charge of defense as assistant when he won his first selection in 2016 and has seen him grow immensely as a player and a person.
“Rico is a young man with a wealth of international experience, so we are delighted to have his commitment until the end of the World Cup. I hope for a long time after that.”
A member of the Blues’ under-17 and under-18 development squads, Iohn has become a key contributor at Super Rugby level. Playing for the Blues on both the wing and midfield, he has 45 tries to his name, making him a fans’ favourite.
“We’re looking forward to another great season for Rico, who is playing some of the best rugby of his career,” said Blues manager Leon McDonald.
“Rico has been with the Blues since his youth, he’s come through our system and is part of our Blues family, so re-hiring him is great news.”
“He has been a leader on and off the pitch and is now in a position to pass on his knowledge and experience to the younger members of our squad. We expect him to continue to be a world-class center for the club.”
The former Auckland Grammar student is representing his province with pride. Auckland NPC coach Alama Iremia is also keen to have someone of Eon’s caliber in the region.
“We are very pleased to see Rico once again representing the Auckland rugby community with his commitment to New Zealand,” Iremia said.
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