Express & Star

Kaino calls time on All Blacks career

Two-time World Cup winner agrees move to France.

Published

New Zealand back-rower Jerome Kaino has agreed a move to France, ending his All Blacks career.

The 34-year-old will leave his homeland at the end of the Super Rugby season after a deal was sealed for him to play in the Top 14.

Kaino played 81 Tests for his country, scoring 12 tries, and was a key player in the World Cup-winning squads of 2011 and 2015.

Head coach Steve Hansen told the All Blacks website: “Jerome will leave New Zealand rugby with our best wishes.

“He’s had a long and distinguished career in the All Blacks jersey and brought a physicality and skill level to his game which made him the best in the world in his position. He can be rightly proud of everything he has achieved in the All Blacks, which included helping win two Rugby World Cups.

“I’d like to thank him for his service and also want to acknowledge his wife Di and the family for their outstanding support for him and the team over many years. It has certainly been appreciated and we wish them all the very best wishes for the next chapter of their lives.”

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.