Kaino keen to re-sign with NZRU

Editor

All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino is keen to sign a new contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union after the Rugby World Cup in England.

Kaino is wanted by several high profile European clubs but the 31-year-old is hoping to stay on at the Blues and wants to sort out his contract before the start of the upcoming Super Rugby campaign.

“I’ve spoken with the NZRU and that’s where my first priorities lie,” he told Fairfax Media.

“I’m going to have a few good conversations with them in the next two weeks and sit down with my family. Hopefully we can come to an agreement.

“We’re very comfortable here and if we can come to an agreement with the NZRU I’d be more than happy to stay.

“I’d like to clear it up before the season starts so everyone involved is quite clear about where I sit and what’s ahead.”

In the past, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw’s contracts included six-month rugby sabbaticals and Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock have also had late starts to their Super Rugby campaigns in recent seasons.

Kaino admits that a similar break could prove attractive for him and his family.

“I’m looking at all aspects of contract – ways I can make the contract more attractive for me and my family,” he added.

“Wherever we go or whatever we do, we’re going to look at all avenues.”