Leinster have made a big splash in the transfer market by signing centre Rieko Ioane. The All Black will play for the Irish province for one season before returning to the Auckland Blues.
Rieko Ioane (28, 81 caps) announced on his Instagram account that the New Zealand centre will be joining Leinster next season. A stalwart of the All Blacks and his Auckland Blues franchise, the six-time Rugby Championship winner has decided to activate a clause in his contract, which allows him to move abroad for a year, as his compatriot Jordie Barrett did this season. Currently playing Super Rugby with the Blues, Ioane will take part in New Zealand’s international matches this summer (summer tour against France, Rugby Championship and autumn tour), before taking a holiday.
Talent drain at the Blues
He will not join Leinster until December 2025. After his season with Ireland, he will return to Auckland to continue his career, in particular ahead of the 2027 World Cup. On Instagram, Ioane wrote: ‘It’s an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland for an iconic team, develop my game and experience something different with my family. I’ll be back fresh and ready for the second half of 2026.’
Ioane’s departure confirms the flight of some talent from New Zealand and particularly at the Auckland Blues. The defending Super Rugby champions first lost Akira Ioane, who left for Japan a few months ago. Earlier this week, winger Mark Tele’a announced his departure for Japan League One at the end of the season.
