Blues brothers set to stay in Auckland

Tana Umaga says brothers Rieko and Akira Ioane are on the verge of signing new contracts with the Blues.

Blues head coach Umaga revealed All Blacks wing sensation Rieko Ioane has given his word that he wants to remain at the Auckland franchise. 

Older sibling Akira Ioane has been a target for the Hurricanes, but Umaga says the duo are poised to commit to the Blues when New Zealand Rugby has agreed terms.

“As far as I know [the contracts] are with New Zealand,” Umaga told the New Zealand Herald. “When you sign here there are two people that need to get the deal done. At this stage they know what we’re offering and it’s down to NZ Rugby now.”

He added: “They’re both committed in terms of the last discussions we’ve had and obviously we’re very happy about it.

“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 has no problem with flanker Akira Ioane being offered to rival franchises.

“That’s the agent’s prerogative,” he said. “That’s his job – trying to get the best for his client. It’s not great for us, or it hasn’t been, but the positive thing is that he’s staying with us. That’s the thing we’re looking forward to and I know Aki is as well.”

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