Leinster Recruit Rieko Ioane For Next Season
Rieko Ioane, Leinster's latest signing, is pictured in action for New Zealand against Italy in Turin last November ©INPHO/Tom Maher
Leinster Rugby has confirmed the signing of Blues and New Zealand utility back Rieko Ioane on a seven-month contract.
Similar to Jordie Barrett before him, Ioane has exercised an option to play overseas and will join up with Leinster when his New Zealand Rugby commitments finish up, ahead of the start of the Investec Champions Cup next season.
The 28-year-old is contracted to the Blues through to the end of the 2027 season and made his debut for the Auckland-based Super Rugby side in 2016. He has represented them 120 times, scoring over 250 points.
He is also a decorated All Black having made his debut as a 19-year-old against Italy in 2016, having impressed with New Zealand’s Sevens team at a number of tournaments and at that year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Ioane, who led the haka and started at outside centre against Ireland in Dublin last November, has played at two Rugby World Cups. He has scored 37 tries in 81 Tests to date.
Speaking to the Leinster Rugby website, the province’s 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 New Zealand Rugby (NZR) 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 him 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.”
The Auckland-born Ioane commented: “I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity to play in Ireland and for Leinster, and to grow my game with such an iconic team 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 NZR 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.”