All Blacks stars send messages of support to new Ravens draft pick Vega Ioane
The All Blacks will have a high-profile local supporter welcoming them to Baltimore this September in the form of new Ravens NFL player Vega Ioane.
Ioane was selected by Baltimore with the 14th pick in the first round of last week’s 2026 NFL Draft, and to mark the occasion, Codie Taylor, Rieko Ioane and Keven Mealamu sent the 22-year-old a congratulatory video message.
The gesture left the American Samoa native speechless. Ioane grew up playing rugby, and his father is a passionate All Blacks supporter.
“That means a lot, man,” Ioane said after watching the messages. “Rugby’s a big thing for the Samoan and Polynesian culture ... seeing something like that means a lot to me.”
Ioane was shown the messages during his first interview with the Ravens.
Taylor and Mealamu both said they are Ravens fans and are excited to see him in the purple jersey.
“I know your own family and they will be extremely proud of you,” Taylor said. “I can’t imagine how much work you’ve put in through college and all the work away from the field to get where you are today.
“There’s a lot of work that has to go in to continue and chase the dream. I wish you nothing but the best. Just put your best foot forward and I’m sure we’re going to see your name popping up when that new NFL season rolls around.”
Mealamu said it will be special to see Ioane as part of the Ravens organisation.
“I just wanted to wish you all the very best to you and your family,” Mealamu said. “Now you’ve got to take that opportunity, you’ve got to walk through that door and you’ve got to show them what you’re all about.”
Rieko Ioane, who is currently in Ireland with Leinster, also offered an encouraging message.
“I remember my first time making the All Blacks, it was such a special day for me, but more so my family,” Ioane said. “Us island boys carry our family’s name everywhere we go and it means so much to us.
“Work hard, push yourself every day, and again congratulations from myself, the All Blacks, and go Ravens.”
Vega Ioane wore a beaming smile as he watched the clips.
There is a chance he could cross paths with Taylor and Rieko Ioane when the All Blacks come to town for their clash against the Springboks at the 71,000-seat M&T Bank Stadium on September 12.
The test is the final of four matches on the Greatest Rivalry Tour. It will be the first time Baltimore has hosted a rugby test. The city was one of 27 to enter the application phase to host matches at the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
Last month, former All Blacks head of performance Nic Gill was appointed the Ravens’ vice-president of health and performance for the upcoming NFL season.
There is no relation between the Ioane’s.