Rugby: Kaino sticks with the Blues

Jerome Kaino is expected to stay in New Zealand following this year's Rugby World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Blues captain Jerome Kaino has delivered some much needed good news to the supporters of his struggling team this morning by announcing that he will stay rather than head overseas.

All Black Kaino will not follow many of his senior teammates in the national team by leaving after this year's World Cup. Instead, he will stay at the Blues and New Zealand Rugby until 2018.

Kaino, back last year after a two-year stint in Japan, was recognised for his efforts by winning the New Zealand Super Rugby player of the year award. He added a powerful presence to the loose forward trio and proved that his career highlight of winning the World Cup in 2011 - he was nominated for the IRB world rugby player of the year - was no flash in the pan.

Kaino said the key to his re-signing was that he and his family wanted to remain settled at home, close to friends and family. He also said he was excited by the prospect of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017.

"Having been overseas and experienced that, home does have a lot of positives," he said.

"On the rugby front, I remain very committed to the Blues. I know our fans are doing it tough but I believe a lot of good things have been put in place here and we will see the benefits in the next year or two.

"I am also driven to be part of the All Blacks again - there's no greater honour than to wear the black jersey.

"The over-riding reason, though, is my family. They enjoy being home ... With them happy, I am [able] to focus on being the best rugby player that I can be."

The news will be a welcome boost to a Blues team who have lost all six of their matches this season.

Their latest loss, a 23-11 defeat to the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday, was a typically frustrating and disappointing affair.

The Blues again had their chances, but a combination of their constant errors and referee Jaco Peyper's decision to yellow card Kaino for a high tackle meant the match went the way of all their others this season.

Kaino's announcement is likely to herald other good news. The majority of the Blues' sponsors are about to re-sign despite the team's constant failures on the pitch, plus other player signings are about to be released.

Kaino's signature is also good news for the All Blacks. New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said the annoucement was "huge".

"Jerome is one of our leading players," said Tew. "He joins a core group of key players who have re-signed with New Zealand beyond this year's Rugby World Cup.

"While we will see players depart our shores, we are buoyed by the news which demonstrates that the rugby environment we provide here in New Zealand remains stimulating and attractive to our top players."