Blues young star shining bright
Comments
0
There is a new star on the horizon at the Blues in Akira Ioane, and his first taste of Super Rugby was testimont to his well groomed pedigree.
Ioane was born in Japan where he lived with his family until he was four years old.
Rugby runs rich in the veins of the Ioane family. His mother Sandra Ioane is a former Black Fern and his father, Eddie Ioane, played for Manu Samoa at the 1991 World Cup before embarking on a professional career in Japan, where he played for Ricoh.
Ioane, still just 19, came to prominence last year when he was selected by for the New Zealand Sevens team, making his debut at the Wellington leg of the World Sevens Series. He was later again selected for the National Sevens team and played at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
At 1.94m and 112kg, he brings size and speed to his role as a loose forward, as well as considerable skill.
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tiejens praised the ability of the Blues flank and Sevens star.
"He has a huge amount of potential.
"He is a talented athlete, is very quick and has the height and skill-set required for a good Sevens player."
His performances were well documented by the Blues who signed Ioane this year when a loose forward spot opened up and the young man impressed in pre-season.
Ioane got his chance to start away against the Highlanders and played well enough to retain his starting role against the Crusaders, earning plaudits from All Black legends Jeff Wilson and Justin Marshall.
Next year his younger brother Reiko Ioane, who has followed his big brother into the All Black Sevens team, will join Ioane at the Blues.
Indeed this star seems destined to shine brightly for the Blues for many years to come.
ADVERTISEMENT
