All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane has signed for Irish province and Investec Champions Cup favourites Leinster for the 2025-26 season.
Ioane, 28, is still contracted to Super Rugby franchise the Auckland Blues in New Zealand until 2027, but will take advantage of the ‘sabbatical’ clause in his contract to join up with Leinster following the November international series.
Also operating as a winger, he has 37 tries in 81 All Blacks caps, and is widely regarded as one of the most potent attacking players in world rugby.
Posting on Instagram after the news was announced, Ioane expressed his excitement at the chance to play in Europe.
He said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game and experience something with my family.
“Will be back refreshed and ready to rock in the second half of 2026.”
Not sure if you’ve heard… 🤔
✍️ | Leinster Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of Rieko Ioane💙
The 81-times capped All Black will join the club later this year ✅
Full details ⬇️
🔗 | https://t.co/EqfQCkhrLV#NeverLessThanEverything pic.twitter.com/jRwCg0FUfu
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 16, 2025
Rieko Ioane Joins Leinster After Jordie Barrett Success
Ioane isn’t the first high-profile Kiwi to join Leinster in recent years.
All Blacks teammate Jordie Barrett joined the Dublin side this season for his own sabbatical.
Barrett has played a big role so far, being named player of the match as Leinster thrashed Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup semi-finals last weekend.
Discussing the imminent arrival of Ioane, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “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.”
Will Ioane Make Up With Johnny Sexton?
Rieko Ioane has not always been a popular figure in Ireland.
His well-documented row with former Leinster and Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton made headlines after the pair exchanged heated words at full time as New Zealand knocked Ireland out of the 2023 World Cup in France.
According to Sexton, Ioane taunted him on the field, allegedly saying: “Don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you c***.”
The exchange was discussed by Sexton in his book, with the 118-cap ex-Ireland star calling Ioane a “fake humble f******.”
Following New Zealand’s win over Ireland in the autumn, Ioane posted on Instagram with the caption “Put that in the book” referring to Sexton’s comments.
But with the All Black international now joining Sexton’s old club, could there now be a chance to bury the hatchet over a few Guinnesses in Dublin?
What Nationality Is Rieko Ioane?
Born in Auckland on 18 March 1997, Rieko Ioane is a New Zealand citizen.
He spent time living in Japan as a child, with his father Eddie playing rugby professionally for the Ricoh Black Rams.
Eddie Ioane was a Samoan international, meaning Rieko also qualifies to play for Samoa through his father.
Rugby is in the blood on both sides of Ioane’s family, with his mother Sandra Wihongi also playing internationally for the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s team.
Rieko’s older brother Akira currently plays for the Blues, as well as representing the Maori All Blacks and New Zealand sevens side.
