Video: Rieko Ioane's All Blacks dream comes true

  • 23/10/2016
Rieko Ioane (Getty Images)
Rieko Ioane (Getty Images)

Rieko Ioane was like a kid at Christmas when he was named for the All Blacks' 36-man squad for their northern tour.

The 19-year-old has had an incredible season with the Blues, the New Zealand sevens team at the Rio Olympics, and most recently with Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup.

"It's awesome. It's a dream come true to be officially named in the team," said Ioane.

"Even being around the squad it's given me a taste of what it's like, and once I got that I wanted more. It's a very proud moment for my family and I."

Despite spending most of his time in the centres, Ioane has been listed as an outside back and will start his international career on the wing and will work his way into the All Blacks midfield.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is hoping to use this tour to develop Ioane into a world-class finisher.

"He's a big man, a fast man but by no means the finished product, and there's a lot of conditioning work we can put into him," Hansen said.         

"It'll give us another man on the end of the chain, a la Julian Savea or Waisake Naholo, who are both big men as well."

Ioane is happy to play anywhere and learn from the best in the world.

"I think in this environment I'm just happy to learn off the best. You got the best centres and best wingers in the world, so wherever I can slot in and absorb all their expertise, I'm happy train and play wherever.

"I'm stoked to work with all these role models that I watched growing up."

All Blacks will leave for their northern tour to the USA and Europe on Friday for Tests against Ireland, Italy and France.

Newshub.