Breaking: All Blacks Star Rieko Ioane Heads to Leinster in 2023, Reuniting with Jordie Barrett and Sparring Partner Johnny Sexton
In a major shock to rugby fans worldwide, New Zealand All Blacks wrecking ball Rieko Ioane has signed a six-month contract with Irish powerhouse Leinster, set to join the province after the November Test matches. The All Blacks center and wing, who memorably tangled with Irish skipper Johnny Sexton at the World Cup, will now face his rival on the same teamheet in an unexpected turn of events. Ioane’s addition follows in the footsteps of his midfield partner Jordie Barrett, who also made the move to Leinster, further strengthening the province’s attacking prowess. More details to follow as this developing story unfolds.
Breaking: All Blacks Star Rieko Ioane Joins Leinster for Six-Month Sabbatical
🚨 Big Move Announced 🚨 Rugby World Cup Winner Rieko Ioane Swaps New Zealand for Leinster
In a major boost for Leinster and the United Rugby Championship (URC), All Blacks star Rieko Ioane has agreed to a six-month deal from December 2023 to June 2026. Ioane, a world-class centre and wing, will join the Irish province after the November Test matches, following a similar move by his midfield partner from the All Blacks, Jordie Barrett.
Ioane’s Announcement
Ioane shared the news on his Instagram account, posting a picture of him wearing a Leinster jersey. "What’s up fam, just wanted to announce, I’ll be heading to Leinster at the end of the year on a sabbatical break," he wrote. "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."
A Decision Filled with Irony
Ioane’s decision to choose Leinster and Ireland is intriguing, given his public spat with Irish captain Johnny Sexton at the end of the Rugby World Cup quarter-final game at the Stade de France. In his autobiography Obsessed, Sexton writes about the verbal exchange, claiming Ioane had said: "Don’t miss your flight home tomorrow. Enjoy retirement, you c*," referencing the fact that it was Sexton’s last professional game. Sexton later called Ioane a "fake-humble f***" on social media.
Ioane’s Career and Leinster’s Gain
The 28-year-old Ioane has played 81 Test matches for the All Blacks and has proven himself to be a match winner on the biggest stages. Leinster has signaled their ambition by securing another high-profile signing, following the contract extensions of RG Snyman and Rabah Slimani. This move could serve as a statement of intent for Leinster and the URC, potentially signaling a trend in top Southern Hemisphere players looking to test themselves in Europe.
💬 Did you know? 💬 Rieko Ioane is the younger brother of another All Blacks star, Sonny Bill Williams.
FAQs
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Why is Ioane’s move to Leinster ironic?
- Ioane’s public spat with Johnny Sexton at the World Cup and his role as the "pantomime villain" in the All Blacks’ win in Dublin last year add an unexpected twist to his decision to join Leinster.
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How will Ioane benefit from his move to Leinster?
- Playing in a different league and culture will expose Ioane to new challenges and training methods, helping him grow as a player and person. It will also provide an opportunity for him to spend more time with his family.
- What does Ioane’s signing mean for Leinster and the URC?
- Ioane’s signing, along with those of Jordie Barrett and other top Southern Hemisphere players, could boost the URC’s competitiveness and attractiveness, potentially leading to more high-profile signings in the future.
Pro Tip
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Join the Conversation
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