Akira Ioane celebrates after winning the Wellington Sevens title in February, when New Zealand beat South Africa in the final at Westpac Stadium.
The 'bright light' of NZ sevens —
Akira Ioane celebrates after winning the Wellington Sevens title in February, when New Zealand beat South Africa in the final at Westpac Stadium.
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The 18-year-old made his international sevens debut in Wellington. He scored two tries over the course of the weekend, including this one in the semifinal against England.
The 'bright light' of NZ sevens —
The 18-year-old made his international sevens debut in Wellington. He scored two tries over the course of the weekend, including this one in the semifinal against England.
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Ioane spent much of his early childhood in Tokyo, where his father played for the Ricoh club. His first name is Japanese for "bright light."
The 'bright light' of NZ sevens —
Ioane spent much of his early childhood in Tokyo, where his father played for the Ricoh club. His first name is Japanese for "bright light."
CNN
Bosh! Ioane tackles Jona Tuitoga during the pool B match between New Zealand and Fiji in Wellington.
The 'bright light' of NZ sevens —
Bosh! Ioane tackles Jona Tuitoga during the pool B match between New Zealand and Fiji in Wellington.
Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The Auckland teenager only left school last year -- here he plays for Auckland Grammar against King's College in June 2012.
The 'bright light' of NZ sevens —
The Auckland teenager only left school last year -- here he plays for Auckland Grammar against King's College in June 2012.
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New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has described Ioane as an exciting talent with all the attributes of a fine player.
The 'bright light' of NZ sevens —
New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has described Ioane as an exciting talent with all the attributes of a fine player.
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