Ioane brothers staying where they are
NEWS: Rieko and Akira Ioane have both verbally agreed to stay with the struggling Blues after this year’s Super Rugby season
According to reports in New Zealand, the Hurricanes were interested in Akira’s services, but they were turned down.
New Zealand rugby are set to confirm the Ioane brothers’ deals with the Blues.
“They’re both committed in terms of the last discussions we’ve had … and obviously we’re very happy about it,” Blues head coach Tana Umaga told New Zealand Herald.
“It’s important to retain all the talent we have and those guys especially because they’re playing well and mean a lot to our club and region. To get those nods from them is really positive for us as a whole.”
Umaga said he wasn’t upset with the brothers’ agent attempting to get a better deal for the pair
“That’s the agent’s prerogative – that’s his job, to try to get the best for his client,” Umaga said.
“Obviously it’s not great for us… but the positive is that he [Akira] is staying with us and that’s what we’re looking forward to and I know Aki is as well.”
Source: New Zealand Herald
