Leo Cullen 'thrilled' to confirm 'world class' All Black Rieko Ioane will join Leinster next season
Rieko Ioane and his current club the Blues have confirmed that the All Black centre will join Leinster next season. Pic: Rieko Ioane Instagram.
Rieko Ioane and his current club the Blues have confirmed that the All Black centre will join Leinster next season.
Ioane has a clause in his contract allows him to skip one Super Rugby Pacific season and he has decided to make the move to Leo Cullen's side for seven-months starting this December.
"Whats up fam just wanted to announce, I’ll be heading to Leinster at the end of the year on a sabbatical break," Ioane posted on Instagram.
"It’s an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game and experience something different with my family.
"Will be back refreshed and ready to rock second half of 2026. Until then locked in with my blues brothers."
Ioane will now follow in the footsteps of fellow All-Black Jordie Barrett, who opted to leave the Hurricanes and join Leinster for the second half of this season.
He is also a decorated All Black having made his debut as a 19-year-old against Italy in 2016 after impressing with the All Blacks 7s team at a number of tournaments and at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
He has played at two Rugby World Cups and has scored 37 tries in 81 tests for the All Blacks.
Speaking to their official website, Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen said: "We are thrilled to confirm the signing of Rieko on a seven-month contract which will come into effect after this year’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures.
"Similar to our current arrangement with Jordie, we'd like to thank the NZRU for their help facilitating the move.
"Rieko is a world-class, 81-cap All Black who has been operating at the very top level of the international game and Super Rugby for many seasons.
"He is an exciting, versatile outside back who will bring pace, rugby skills and experience to Leinster. That experience will add massive value to the group here and our younger players especially will learn so much from seeing how Rieko prepares, trains and plays.
"We can’t wait to welcome Rieko to Leinster and I’m sure all our supporters will join me in making him and his family feel at home when the time comes."
Ioane added: "I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity to play in Ireland and for Leinster, and to grow my game with such an iconic club with a rich history.
"I'm also looking forward to opening myself and my family up to new experiences away from home and to growing together in a new environment.
"I'd like to thank Leo and Leinster Rugby for the opportunity and NZRU and my Blues brothers. We've work to do yet this season, and I'm locked in for that, but I look forward to touching down in Dublin later this year and meeting all the Leinster supporters."
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