So’oialo aims for third time lucky

WELLINGTON – Veteran All Black loose forward Rodney So’oialo has committed to stay with the All Blacks until the end of 2011 in a bid to make it third time lucky at the World Cup.

“It’s still very painful from the last two World Cups that I went to -- (winning it) is one of my long-term goals,” the 29-year-old veteran of 55 Tests said Wednesday.

So’oialo confirmed yesterday he would stay with the All Blacks until after the 2011 World Cup to be hosted by New Zealand. They have not won the World Cup since the inaugural event they hosted in 1987.

So’oialo added the welfare of his family was also a major factor in his decision to turn down lucrative offers from overseas to stay with the All Blacks and Super 14 franchise, the Wellington Hurricanes.

“It was never in doubt that I was always going to stay here,” the Samoan-born player said.

“Because of my family, my wife and two little girls, (it) just makes it that much easier to commit not only to New Zealand but to Wellington and the Hurricanes.”

“I am also excited by the World Cup in 2011 and would love to represent my country on home soil in that tournament,” he said.

– Nampa-AFP

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