Chiefs’ first-five eighth Josh Ioane is expected to have a huge season with the Southland Stags in the NPC.
The 27-year-old had a turbulent Super Rugby competition with the Chiefs, suffering a rib injury early in the season and struggling to return to top form in its wake.
However, he showed glimpses of his ability throughout the season when at full fitness and has been labelled by former Manu Samoa player Campbell Burnes as one of the country’s best five-eighths when at his best.
“(He’s a) very good footballer,” Burnes told SENZ’s The Rugby Run.
“When he’s on his game, he’s the man for you and look, I think he’s even the third best No. 10 when he’s at his peak in New Zealand.”
At present, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga and Stephen Perofeta have locked up the position for the All Blacks.
However, Burnes believes Ioane is just as capable when at full fitness.
“The thing was, his game for the Chiefs against the Hurricanes in Wellington earlier this year was the best New Zealand No. 10 performance before the playoffs in Super Rugby,” Burnes continued.
“He played that well, but he just couldn’t get fit so Bryn Gatland was ahead of him (most of) the time, but he’s a guy who is well equipped to do the business.”
Ioane is currently sitting on 47 caps for Southland in the provincial game and has more than 50 matches of experience at the Super Rugby level.
The playmaker has also previously enjoyed a stint with the national side, making him a tantalising prospect for both the Southland Stags and the Chiefs as they look towards the 2023 Super season.