 Prior to being signed for the Blues, Kaino came off the bench in Auckland's 13-17 loss to the British and Irish Lions on 5 July 2005.In 2012 it was announced that Kaino would be leaving the Blues for Japanese club Toyota Verblitz on a two-year deal, following the conclusion of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.On 4 October 2013, Kaino announced he had re-signed with New Zealand Rugby Union, North Harbour and Auckland Blues on a two-year contract.