Cape Town - All Black wing Rieko Ioane has reportedly become the highest paid player in New Zealand rugby.
The 21-year-old signed a new four-year deal to keep him in the country until the end of the 2022 international season while he will continue to play for the Blues.
And, according to the Stuff website, Ioane is being well rewarded for his decision to commit his future to the All Blacks and he is now the highest paid rugby player in the country.
The report suggests that Ioane will be earning close to NZ$1 million (R9.58 million) a year.
While that figure might make him the highest earning All Black, it could easily have been matched or bettered by a European deal.
Asked if it was difficult to turn down the offers he had lined up from offshore, Ioane replied immediately.
"It was pretty easy," he said.
"I want to establish myself in New Zealand. I'm still a young fella so the black jersey is enough for me and it's enough to keep me here. Rugby is what I love playing and to play in the best team in the world is motivating enough. Overseas didn't come into the picture."
NEWS | Rieko and Akira Ioane have both re-committed to New Zealand Rugby until 2022 and 2021 respectively. Who's excited to see these two brothers stay on home soil? ??????
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 20, 2018
READ ?? https://t.co/QiZc59UYf5 pic.twitter.com/C5NXPKieKN
Following the win over the All Blacks in Wellington, Springbok supporters will be counting down the days until the return fixture at Loftus on October 6. How do you see that match ending?
