Jerome Kaino

Kaino heads home to deal with family matter

His return to New Zealand followed the publication of a story in The Daily Telegraph this morning which alleged the married All Black had a relationship with a former Australian model.

NZR said it could not comment on the Kaino allegations or further details about Aaron Smith's personal life which were published today as both were "personal matters".

But NZR said it felt for all of those affected.

Chief Executive Steve Tew said the NZR understood that the game and players were under public scrutiny and these latest stories in the media were concerning.

Kaino - No intent to injure Murray

Lions coach Warren Gatland expressed his anger at the treatment received by his scrum-half during the All Blacks' 30-15 victory at the weekend.

Kaino was one player highlighted for focusing on Murray after a lunging tackle on the Ireland international's standing leg as he kicked from the back of the scrum.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen was quick to defend his players on Monday and Kaino has reiterated there was no specific plan to take out Murray.

"No, it's never our intent to go out and injure someone," Kaino said ahead of Saturday's second Test.

All Blacks not focusing on referee

Lions coach Warren Gatland said New Zealand teams were deliberately blocking and holding players back to give the first five more time to clear the ball and he's mentioned it to the referees.

However Kaino says sticking to their game plan is the key to All Black success over a Lions outfit, who hit their straps against a strong New Zealand Maori side on Saturday.

Kaino says the All Blacks will simply have to adapt to how referee Jaco Peyper is going to officiate in the up-coming test.

"We have a game that we want to play and we will play that as well as we can.

Read and Kaino could play first Lions test without game time

Read has had surgery on a broken thumb and is expected to be out for six weeks which could have him back in time for the Lions match against the Crusaders on June 10th, two weeks before the first test in Auckland.

Kaino is due back a week later.

The squad for the first test against the British and Irish Lions will be named on Thursday, June 8th.

It's highly unlikely Read or Kaino will have been back on the field by that stage but they'll no doubt be named in the squad subject to fitness.

Jerome Kaino facing surgery to put his All Blacks place in doubt

The Blues confirmed the injury as they named their team to play the Brumbies on Sunday in Canberra.

The injury will put Kaino in doubt for the Blues game against the touring British and Irish Lions on June 7 which is the second game of their tour.

It will make him borderline for the test series with the opening international on June 24.

The Blues have been cleared to play their All Blacks against the Lions.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is scheduled to name his test squad the day after the Blues play the Lions.

All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu and Jerome Kaino bolster Blues bench for clash with Chiefs

Blues coach Tana Umaga named an unchanged starting XV after their impressive opening round demolition of the Melbourne Rebels last Thursday.

But he's been quick to add some star power to his impact options for the juicy second round clash with the Chiefs.

Umaga has six All Blacks, a Maori All Black and a New Zealand under-20s player on his bench.

This derby is usually a high-octane affair that often goes right down to the wire. Substitutions are sure to be hugely influential.

Kaino supports permanent Pacific Super Rugby fixture

The Blues announced yesterday they will host the Reds in Apia in June.

It will be the first Super match played in Samoa and coincides with Samoa's 55th Independence Celebrations.

Fifteen players the Blues squad have Samoan heritage, along with head Coach Tana Umaga.

Jerome Kaino, who was born in American Samoa, said the team was already looking forward to the game.

"We're really proud of that fact that we're pioneers to be able to take that game to Samoa - you know being the first franchise to take it there. And it's only fitting that we get to do that.

Cane and Cruden out for final two Tests

RNZ reports Kaino will rejoin the All Blacks squad for the final Test of the Rugby Championship against South Africa a week later.

Fellow loose forward Sam Cane and first five Aaron Cruden have been ruled out for the rest of the Rugby Championship due to injury.

Matt Todd and Damien McKenzie will travel as injury replacements for Cane and Cruden while George Moala and Waisake Naholo return from injury.

     

Blues captain Jerome Kaino out for month with shoulder injury

Kaino was forced off during the second half of their 25-25 draw with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane last weekend.

He left with his right shoulder in a makeshift sling after a collision with Carmichael Hunt,

The Blues have a bye this week before hosting the Jaguares in their sixth-round clash at Eden Park.