After two years in Japan, 48-test former All Black Jerome Kaino is poised to sign a two-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union, the Blues and, interestingly, North Harbour within the next week.



Securing Kaino's valuable services represents the second major recruitment coup for Blues coach Sir John Kirwan, after already luring Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall to Auckland on a lucrative two-year deal worth around $500,000 annually.



Kaino's imminent agreement will see him make a major financial sacrifice of around $300,000 per year to rekindle his All Black dream. He was thought to be on $1 million annually in Japan.



The deal is also set to include an out-clause which will enable Kaino to pursue overseas options if he is not recalled to the All Blacks in 2014.



Overall, it is understood the 30-year-old will accept a combined salary of close to $700,000 per year. That features $260,000 from the Blues, including a $75,000 third party top-up, plus an additional $440,000 from Harbour and the NZRU, provided he makes the All Blacks.



Kaino is currently in Auckland undergoing treatment on an injured knee and is thought to have finalised his homecoming contract in that time. He will return to Japan to inform club side Toyota of his intentions to play for Blues next year. No official announcement will be made until that side of the equation is complete.



By agreeing to terms with the Blues, Kaino has turned down strong interest from the Chiefs, though the defending champions are of the belief they want players to come to them rather than the other way around.



Reluctance from a provincial union to have Kaino on their books is thought to have been a factor in the drawn out negotiations, but at the Blues' request, Harbour has stepped up to accept potential ACC levy fees if he takes the field for them.



When Kaino departed New Zealand rugby after the 2011 World Cup triumph he was considered one of the best players in the globe, having been shortlisted for IRB player of the year. His relentless physicality was a feature as he combined in a peerless loose-forward trio with Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.



Since taking over the Blues, Kirwan has maintained close contact with Kaino, stepping up efforts with a recent trip to Japan which appears to have convinced the blindside flanker to return home ahead of the 2015 World Cup.



With the rapid emergence of Steven Luatua at No 6, Kaino is likely to play No 8 at the Blues. He also faces stiff competition from incumbent Liam Messam to regain his place in the national team. Hurricanes prodigy Brad Shields and Victor Vito are others pushing their claims.



Regardless, Kaino's return is a major positive for New Zealand rugby. His presence will create welcome selection headaches for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.