All Black centre Rieko Ioane set to join Leinster
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Rieko Iaone announced via Instagram that he will be joining Irish giants Leinster from next season. The 28-year-old has won 120 caps with the Blues and has decided to exercise his contractual clause which allows him to take a 6-month sabbatical. He follows international teammate Jordie Barrett, who will depart Leinster in the summer. Like Barrett, he will join on a short-term deal at the end of the year. The 28-year-old has been the All Blacks first-choice outside centre with 81 caps and 37 tries. Ioane remains committed to New Zealand through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. For Irish fans, Ioane might not be the most popular signing after the comments he made following Ireland's defeat to New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup quarter final. After the game, he told Leinster and Ireland legend Johnny Sexton to enjoy retirement and to not miss his flight home. With this move he has the chance to redeem himself and win the hearts of the Irish fans.
In a statement on Instagram, Ioane said:
“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 the second half of 2026. Until then locked in with my blues brothers.”
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