Rieko Ioane, the standout player from the All Blacks, has announced that he’ll be joining Leinster at the end of the year. This move is set to bring some excitement to the Irish club. He triggered a clause in his contract with the Blues that lets him take a break from Super Rugby Pacific for a season. Instead of heading to Japan, Ioane opted for a six-month stint with Leinster starting in December 2025. All Blacks Star Signs for Leinster.
Following in Barrett’s Footsteps
Ioane’s choice is similar to Jordie Barrett, another All Black who transferred to Leinster from the Hurricanes for the second half of the season. Irish fans might remember Ioane from the heated moment with Johnny Sexton during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, where New Zealand knocked out Ireland. After that match, Ioane told Sexton to enjoy retirement and not miss his flight home, making him a bit of a villain in the eyes of Irish supporters. All Blacks Star Signs for Leinster.
A Solid Career So Far
At 28, Ioane comes with a lot of experience. Since his debut for New Zealand in 2016, he’s made 81 international appearances and scored 37 tries. Before moving to Dublin, he will play in the 2025 Rugby Championship and face Ireland in Chicago during the November internationals, giving fans another chance to see him play against a familiar team.
Ioane Shares His Excitement on Social Media
On Instagram, Ioane shared his excitement about the move, saying, “Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m heading to Leinster at the end of the year for a sabbatical break. This is a great chance to play for an iconic team in Ireland, work on my game, and try something new with my family. I’ll be back recharged and ready for the second half of 2026. Until then, I’m all in with my Blues brothers.”
Leinster Welcomes a Talented Player
Leinster’s head coach Leo Cullen expressed his excitement about the signing, praising Ioane’s skills. “We’re excited to have Rieko on board for a seven-month contract starting after the Autumn Nations Series. Thanks to the NZRU for helping with the move. Rieko is a top talent with 81 caps for the All Blacks and has been a key player at both the international and Super Rugby level for years. His speed, skills, and experience will be a great asset to our team. Our younger players will learn a lot just by seeing how he prepares and trains. We can’t wait to welcome Rieko and his family to Leinster when the time comes.”
