All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane has spoken about the importance of his family, after his breakout season as a professional rugby player.
Ioane, 20, has shone on the left wing for the All Blacks in 2017, scoring eight tries in just nine games after ousting Julian Savea from the number 11 jersey during the British and Irish Lions series.
Speaking to Fairfax, the youngster was quick to praise his family, namely older brother and fellow player Akira, for helping him on his path to success.
"When I was young, he was always real caring and protective of me because I was small and it wasn't until I was at college that I started growing a bit," he said.
The All Blacks' winger says he’s happy to play anywhere for his country.
"He has always looked after me - he still does."
The youngster also praised the role of his father Eddie on his career, with the five-Test Manu Samoa representative helping keep both of his sons grounded.
"You come home from a game and he will sit us down for 25 minutes or so and just run down all the stuff we could have done better, what we did well and what we need to work on."
"Dad keeps it real. He will tell us the truth. It keeps us grounded and our heads level."
The All Blacks' winger picked up two tries in the 54-34 win in Sydney.
Having initially burst onto the New Zealand rugby scene as stars in the Sevens game, the Ioane brothers have taken a break from the format to focus on cementing themselves as All Blacks' regulars - although Akira is yet to make a Test appearance for New Zealand.
Rieko however, says that he misses being involved in the Sevens set-up, but wouldn't swap it for his time in the black jersey.
"I am sure you have heard the stories about how hard the trainings are. I definitely miss the tournaments and the culture the sevens boys had, but I can't complain. I'm enjoying it more being in the All Blacks."
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