A clause in his contract allows Ioane to skip one Super Rugby Pacific season with the Blues and despite interest from Japan, he has opted to link up with Leo Cullen’s side for a six-month period, beginning in December 2025.
He follows in the footsteps of fellow All-Black Jordie Barrett who made the switch from Hurricanes to join Leinster for the second half of this season.
For Irish rugby fans, Ioane was very much the villain following New Zealand’s win over Andy Farrell’s side in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup, when telling Johnny Sexton “to enjoy retirement and to not miss his flight home” following the Stade de France encounter.
The 28-year-old made his New Zealand debut in 2016 and has scored 37 tries in 81 caps for the All Blacks.
Before making the switch to Leinster, Ioane will be involved in the Rugby Championship for his country, this ahead of a date with Ireland in Chicago as part of the November internationals.
Writing on Instagram, Ioane said of his sabbatical in Ireland: “What’s up fam just wanted to announce, I’ll be heading to Leinster at the end of the year on a sabbatical break.
“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.”
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is excited by his latest addition: “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.”
