ISSUE
Friday, August 22, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 73
Fiji-born All Black star Joe Rokocoko is leaving New Zealand rugby to play his rugby in France.
The 27-year-old star winger has signed a two-year deal with French club Bayonne and will join them at the end of the year.
"This is the one of the biggest decisions I've had to make in my life,” said Rokocoko who is also on the wing for Auckland Blues in the Super 15 competition currently underway.
“I first played for the Blues and then the All Blacks as a teenager eight years ago and along with Auckland, they have been my rugby family ever since.
“To move away from that and my life in New Zealand is such a major step but the time has come, and my wife and I are excited to be facing a new chapter in our lives with our young son.
"I want to thank Auckland Rugby, the Blues and NZRU for all the opportunities and support they have given me and I am truly blessed to have had such an amazing rugby career in New Zealand," he added.
"I believe Joe Rokocoko to be one of rugby's finest men. It is not just his natural ability, but also his substance,” Blues coach Pat Lam said.
“Joe's work ethic, his manner and respect for the jerseys he has worn, the people he works amongst and the fans who love the game, is admirable.
“We wish him all the best in France and thank him for the outstanding service he has given to Auckland Rugby and the Blues."
First selected for the All Blacks in 2003, Rokocoko had a sensational debut season, scoring 17 tries in 12 Tests, a world record for a calendar year. He has now played 68 Tests and has scored 46 tries, three behind All Blacks record-holder Doug Howlett.
He has played 90 games for the Blues since 2003 and has scored 40 tries.
Fiji-born All Black star Joe Rokocoko is leaving New Zealand rugby to play his rugby in France. The 27-year-old star winger has signed a two-year deal with French club Bayonne and will join them at the end of the year. "This is the one of the biggest decisions I've had to make in my life,” said...
Fiji-born All Black star Joe Rokocoko is leaving New Zealand rugby to play his rugby in France.
The 27-year-old star winger has signed a two-year deal with French club Bayonne and will join them at the end of the year.
"This is the one of the biggest decisions I've had to make in my life,” said Rokocoko who is also on the wing for Auckland Blues in the Super 15 competition currently underway.
“I first played for the Blues and then the All Blacks as a teenager eight years ago and along with Auckland, they have been my rugby family ever since.
“To move away from that and my life in New Zealand is such a major step but the time has come, and my wife and I are excited to be facing a new chapter in our lives with our young son.
"I want to thank Auckland Rugby, the Blues and NZRU for all the opportunities and support they have given me and I am truly blessed to have had such an amazing rugby career in New Zealand," he added.
"I believe Joe Rokocoko to be one of rugby's finest men. It is not just his natural ability, but also his substance,” Blues coach Pat Lam said.
“Joe's work ethic, his manner and respect for the jerseys he has worn, the people he works amongst and the fans who love the game, is admirable.
“We wish him all the best in France and thank him for the outstanding service he has given to Auckland Rugby and the Blues."
First selected for the All Blacks in 2003, Rokocoko had a sensational debut season, scoring 17 tries in 12 Tests, a world record for a calendar year. He has now played 68 Tests and has scored 46 tries, three behind All Blacks record-holder Doug Howlett.
He has played 90 games for the Blues since 2003 and has scored 40 tries.
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