All Blacks Rodney So'oialo looking forward to playing in Japan- Rugby News
All Blacks’ Rodney So'oialo is excited to play in Japan after the end of ongoing Super Rugby season. He has become the third New Zealander to sign with a Japanese club this year. Brad Thorn signed last month and Mils Muliaina also revealed his new deal with
a Japanese club, NTT Docomo. So'oialo publicised the news of his fresh contract with the Honda Heat on June 2.
So'oialo was jubilant with the new deal and said that it would help him get a better understanding of other cultures. Japanese club will provide the All Blacks player a variety of cultures and experiences during his two-year stay in Japan. Japanese clubs
usually offer highly paid deals to overseas players. The multi-million deals have attracted many big names to Japan from across the globe.
So'oialo made his international debut in 2002 against the Wales. He has represented his national side in 62 tests. During his tenure with the All Blacks he has played at various positions but mainly earned fame as a great defender. He was also the part of
New Zealand Sevens which won the World Cup in 2002. The veteran So’oialo also plays for Hurricanes in the Super Rugby format and the current season will possibly be his last.
He unveiled his new contract in a press conference and said that he has enjoyed the play with the All Blacks and Hurricanes. He further said, "I want to thank the NZRU, Hurricanes and Wellington for their continuous support for me over such a long time.
I really appreciate everything done for me. It has been a privilege and an honour for me to play for these teams and for my country."
He added that offshore deals are always attractive and he will enjoy his stay in Japan.
The defender got heaps of appreciation from former and current All Blacks for the services he laid out for his national side. New Zealand Rugby Union also praised So'oialo for contributions to the team. So'oialo has the honour of captaining the All Blacks
side in five test matches during the absence of Richie McCaw.
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