Rieko Ioane. Photo / Photosport
All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane has agreed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby and it's likely to be announced next week.
World Rugby's breakout player of 2017, and a player considered the best wing in the world, Blues finisher Ioane has been a high-priority signing for the national organisation.
His new deal, which could be for three to four years, will be announced alongside that of his brother, Akira, a loose forward on the cusp of the All Blacks squad. Both men had already committed themselves to staying at the Blues. It is understood Akira has agreed on a shorter deal of perhaps two years.
With 16 tries in 17 tests, Rieko has become a key attacking weapon for the All Blacks. The 21-year-old has insisted the protracted negotiations over a new deal hasn't been a distraction, but he and coach Steve Hansen will likely be relieved it has all been put to bed.
"He's a vital component of our plan going forward," said assistant coach Ian Foster in Sydney last month before a Bledisloe Cup test in which Ioane strained a hamstring. "I can't speak highly enough about him. He came in with a bit of a swagger and he has learned about the All Blacks. What I like is he has got real maturity about him, he hasn't got ahead of himself, and he quietly goes about his work.
