All Blacks legends ‘emotional’ as Rieko Ioane puts ‘legacy’ before finance

New Zealand greats Sir John Kirwan and Jeff Wilson believe that the re-signing of Rieko Ioane could prove to be significant for the All Blacks going forward.

The Blues back has agreed a new contract until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, following hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho in agreeing a deal of that length.

It means that Ioane will be part of the next World Cup cycle, which is a big boost for incoming head coach Scott Robertson.

New era

“I was quite emotional about it,” Kirwan said on The Breakdown. “I understand that people have to look after their futures and there are big financial rewards overseas, but for him to say, ‘my legacy and our legacy with the All Blacks’, for me I just thought, ‘wow, that’s so good’.

“It’s so good we’re getting some of these guys (to stay) because I believe we need a new era after this World Cup.”

Ioane, like many of his All Blacks colleagues, will take a sabbatical – most likely in Japan – but Wilson agreed with Kirwan and is delighted that the 26-year-old is staying in New Zealand during what should be his peak years.

“I have so much respect for his decision because he would have had to sacrifice a lot to make it. In 2025, he’s going to take a sabbatical, he’s going to go and earn a well-earned amount of money, but he’s committed for four years, which is two Rugby World Cups,” Wilson said.

“That tells me that he respects and understands what his legacy in the All Black jersey could be, and that’s why it means so much.

“He joins a list of players now who are committed and dedicated to making the All Blacks better. It’s not about them, it’s about enhancing and being part of something special.

“My respect for him and the players around him, who want to be part of this group going forward, (has gone up). It is great, it is fantastic and I am proud of him.”

Next key target

New Zealand Rugby have made good progress in retaining a core of players over the next few years, but there is still work to be done.

Following Richie Mo’unga’s shock departure and with Beauden Barrett’s future uncertain, given his commitment to playing in Japan in 2024, the All Blacks need some star power at fly-half.

Damian McKenzie has yet to be signed and Kirwan believes that it is vital they retain the playmaker, who has starred for the Chiefs this season.

“He is fundamental I believe. While he may not be the number one for this World Cup, he’s definitely our number two if we play Beauden at full-back,” he said.

“If Richie Mo’unga is going, there’s a big pot (of money) there so just use it on Damian.”