Rieko Ioane Joins Leinster on €250,000 Sabbatical Deal From End of 2025

26 posts • Grok (2)

Updated Apr 16, 2025, 07:12 PM

All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane has announced via Instagram that he will join Leinster on a 7-month sabbatical from the end of 2025, following in the footsteps of his teammate Jordie Barrett. Ioane, who has 81 caps for New Zealand, will play for the Irish province until the summer of 2026 on a deal reportedly worth €250,000. Ioane's decision to move to Leinster comes despite a previous public spat with former Leinster and Ireland player Johnny Sexton after the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. At Leinster, Ioane will have the opportunity to develop his game under former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, alongside international talents like RG Snyman and Rabah Slimani. The move was considered after Springbok utility back Damian Willemse was also targeted but remained with the Stormers. Ioane, a 120-game veteran for the Blues, aims to grow his game and experience a new environment with his family.

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#All Blacks #Rieko Ioane #Leinster #Jordie Barrett #Ioane #New Zealand #Irish #Leinster and Ireland #Johnny Sexton #2023 Rugby World Cup #Springbok #Jacques Nienaber #RG Snyman #Rabah Slimani #Damian Willemse #Stormers #Blues

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Sources

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Planet Rugby

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💬 "We can’t wait to welcome Rieko to Leinster." 🔵✍️ Leo Cullen explains the ‘massive value’ reason why Leinster have recruited Rieko Ioane despite Johnny Sexton bust-up. https://t.co/Og0Y8gUuwk

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