Rugby: Kaino heading to Japan - reports

Jerome Kaino in action during the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Ron Burgin

Jerome Kaino will make an announcement on his playing future tomorrow, with reports that he will play in Japan.

New Zealand rugby's reigning player of the year will hold a press conference in Auckland at 11am.

Kaino comes off contract with the NZRU this year and has been looking at his options.
He is currently injured and will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby season with a shoulder injury.

While there has been no official announcement on Kaino's future, he is expected to play in Japan for a number of years, but may be back in New Zealand in time to play in the next Rugby World Cup in 2015.

Kaino, who turns 29 next month, has been contemplating a massive multi-year offer from Japanese club Toyota.

He is also entertaining offers from the United Kingdom and France, but it is understood that the Toyota proposal is the real head-turner.

"It's been on the drawing board for the past month. Things are certainly progressing,'' said Bruce Sharrock, director at player management firm Esportif International.

Sharrock said Kaino had not ruled out staying in New Zealand, but the differential in the overseas offers and the one put forward by the New Zealand Rugby Union was large.

"In reality there's always going to be a gap between what is offered here and elsewhere, but it's a case of whether the gap is too large.''

Sharrock said that should not be taken as a suggestion that the NZRU had "low-balled''
the 48-test veteran, saying Kaino was comfortable where he was in the pecking order.

With the attrition on his body that comes from his role as an enforcer, Kaino would be foolish not to consider setting himself up financially as he is clearly nearer the end of his career than the start.

- NEWSTALK ZB/HERALD ONLINE