Rieko Ioane to join Leinster in bombshell move

Rieko Ioane will follow in the footsteps of All Blacks teammate Jordie Barrett and play for Leinster next season.

The 28-year-old powerhouse centre remains committed to playing for the All Blacks, with whom he has won 81 caps, but has decided to exercise the sabbatical clause in his contract that allows him to spend six months abroad.

Japan looked his likely destination, as that’s where his brother Akira plays, but obviously impressed by what Barrett has said about Ireland’s foremost province, Ioane has decided to throw his lot in with Leinster, from December 2025 to June 2026.

Ioane posted on Instagram: “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. 💙”

 

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Barrett has been a big hit in Dublin, scoring four tries in nine appearances, including a Player of the Match performance last time out in the Champions Cup 52-0 destruction of Glasgow.

Ioane’s public spat with Leinster and Ireland legend Johnny Sexton after the All Blacks knocked Ireland out of the last World Cup made him public enemy number one.

After the final whistle sounded at Stade de France in Paris, Ioane told the veteran Sexton to enjoy retirement and not to miss his flight home and later doubled down on the comment with a cutting social media post. But all that will be forgiven if he makes anywhere near the same impact as his Test midfield partner.