Queensland Reds winger Digby Ioane likely to turn down Japanese offer - Super Rugby News
Digby Ioane, who was earlier reported to be leaving for a Japanese club next year, has indicated that he will stay with the Super Rugby defending champs Queensland Reds for another season. Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie told the media on November 10,
that he was confident to retain the services of Ioane for the upcoming season of Super Rugby 2012, starting in February. Ioane had made a verbal contract with Japanese club to play per season for one million dollars.
Japanese club Kubota had offered the Wallabies and Reds player a multi-million deal in sevens rugby format, which is likely to turned down by him as the Reds management is leaving no stone unturned for Ioane’s re-signing with the derby. Furthermore, Digby
Ioane has been included in the Wallabies squad to play two test matches against England during next year, which is a clear indication of stay with Australian Rugby Union for 2012.
The 26-year-old winger made his Super Rugby debut With the Reds in 2008 previously he played couple of seasons of the championship for Western Force. The last season of Super Rugby 2011 turned out to be the best for him as he played a vital role for the
Reds to claim the accolade.
Ioane scored 100 points for his team in a single season with the help of five tries. The tremendous performance in the Super Rugby championship earned him a permanent position in Wallabies RWC 2011 squad and also attracted the attention of various overseas
clubs.
Reds coach, Ewen McKenzie, talked the media about Ioane’s possible stay with his team and said, “I'm not stressing about it. It's been trickling along for some time but I've been quietly confident the whole time so it's not something I'm worried about. I'm
sure he and his management team will sort it out eventually.”
He added that, “It's a good sign. The longer there's no news the better it is because in the end it lines up better with our season rather than theirs.”
Queensland Reds will defend the Super Rugby title starting in February 2012 and the retention of Ioane will boost their side for the upcoming championship.
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