Photo: Getty ImagesThe journey to a long-awaited All Blacks test debut hasn't come without its struggles for Akira Ioane, who has opened up about the mental challenges he faced in 2019. The 25-year-old has been named to start at blindside flanker for Saturday's fourth and final Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane. In and amongst his near misses with the international side, Ioane was battling another demon, one far more devastating that nearly proved career ending. Ioane says he was unsure how his friends and family would take the news of his mental health. Ioane says when his father asked if he wanted to do a 9-5 job instead, he was quick to say 'No'.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 05, 2020 19:07 UTC