All Blacks hold onto their rising stars

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

Wing 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 All Blacks debut in 2016.

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 international stage.

“With his growing maturity and growth in his game understanding, I’m sure we’ll see his game go to even greater heights,” Hansen said.

The siblings’ contracts will see both remain with their hometown Super Rugby franchise the Blues.

Agence France-Presse

ICYMI | Rieko and Akira Ioane have both signed long-term contracts to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby.

READ ➡️ https://t.co/QiZc59UYf5 pic.twitter.com/cDo6DWT1yc

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 21, 2018