Former All Black Kieran Read inspired by giving back to Counties area

Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read says signing up with Counties Manukau for the season is his way of giving back to the game and the area where he grew up.

It’s been known for a while that Read was keen on playing for Counties and on Friday he signed the contract, to return to his roots.

Read says with what’s happened around the world, his back in New Zealand at the moment and to be honest, fortunate to have this opportunity.

Read, who in 2018 played a preseason game for Counties against Tasman hasn’t played a game of rugby for six months, with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down the Japanese League.

With not playing for so long, Counties will ease him into the campaign and he’s set to play against Bay of Plenty on September 4.

[Source: Stuff.co]