Former All Black and World Cup hero, Jerome Kaino is to return to the Blues for 2014, the NZRU have announced.
It is understood that Kaino turned down a much more lucrative offer with the Chiefs to be with his family. His new contract is worth $300,000 less than what he was being paid in Japan though.
Kaino who played 48 tests, left for Japan in the middle of last year to pursue a playing contract there. His time at the Blues ended prematurely following a season-ending injury in the Blues' horror 2012 season.
Kaino's return means that suddenly the All Blacks have plenty of depth at blindside and number 8 with Liam Messam and Steven Luatua also in contention, going into the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Can Jerome Kaino force his way straight back into Steve Hansen's reckoning in his first Super Rugby season in 2 years? Whatever happens, the battle between him and Luatua at the Blues could be very interesting to watch.
Kaino has also interestingly signed with North Harbour for the ITM Cup although it is hard to say how much time he will play for them.
Kaino does have a get-out clause in his contract while enables him to go overseas should he fail to regain his place in the All Blacks. But don't bet your house on him exercising that unless Steven Luatua turns out to be the best thing since sliced bread with Marmite.
He will probably play at Number Eight for the Blues allowing Luatua to stay at No6 where he usually plays. Don't forget other players like Victor Vito and Brad Shields when it comes to the All Blacks. We are blessed.
ReplyDeleteHow is this fair again for players like Tamati Ellison? You should write an article about the discrepancies in the NZRU
ReplyDeleteLuatua would flair better at No.8 - he sees gaps & gain's much ground with his pace even better he does a great job at offloading
ReplyDeleteKaino will slot straight back into the ABs, how good was he at the world cup?!! Agree with the Ellison comment most under-rated NZ player EVER
ReplyDelete