Leinster fans can expect 'something a little different' from Rieko Ioane

Rieko Ioane has touched down in Dublin, ready to bring “something a little different” to the table for the reigning URC champs, Leinster.

A sabbatical clause in the 88-cap All Black’s contract with New Zealand Rugby allowed him to look offshore for the 2025/26 club season, and it was the Irish heavyweights who eventually won Ioane’s signature.

That decision followed discussions with Jordie Barrett, who spent the 2024/25 season competing in the Leinster midfield and contributing to another title run for the club.

“When I told him that Leinster could be a possible destination for myself, he had nothing but fond memories of his time here,” Ioane recalled upon his arrival at the club. “He loved his time here, partly because there was so much golf going on.

“He didn’t have one bad thing to say about this environment or the people here, so after hearing that, I was pretty keen to come over and to experience that as well.”

The change of scenery comes as the Blues star finds himself on the outside of the All Blacks‘ matchday 23, looking in, having previously owned the No.13 jersey for the bulk of the last six seasons, since the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Ioane made a point of sharing his mindset as he entered the new environment, wanting to take on board all the knowledge on offer.

“I came in yesterday, got to meet the boys and sat in on a meeting with Leo and the team. I’m just super excited to be here, and I’ve come with an open mind, ready to learn, and ready to get better.”

The reigning champions have endured a slow start to the new season, winning just half of their games following round six’s narrow victory over Dragons.

Ioane, who fell short in a title defence campaign with the Blues this Super Rugby Pacific season, said he was “super keen” to be involved with all of the pressure and expectations Leinster face as they hunt for yet more silverware.

“With a team like Leinster, who has so much expectation, I can’t wait to get involved with all of the pressures of playing and preparing with the team. Just super excited.”

On the topic of the Leinster fans, who could be forgiven for having some mixed views of Ioane after a certain infamous spat with club icon Johnny Sexton following the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, Ioane said the recipe for a harmonious relationship was simple.

“I’m just keen to play some good rugby, and hopefully the fans see that, and they see us putting in the work. I can’t wait.”

When asked what the fans can expect from him, Ioane grinned as he noted his point of difference on the field.

“I think it’ll definitely be something a little different. I like to bring personality to the game, but it’s all in good faith, and I hope they see that and see me working hard.”