New Zealand rugby player Rieko Ioane will join Irish club Leinster for the 2025–26 season.
He is currently signed with the Blues in New Zealand until 2027 but will take a one-year break to play for Leinster.
Ioane, 28, can play both centre and wing. He has played 81 matches for the All Blacks since his debut in 2016 and scored 37 tries.
On Instagram, Ioane said he’s excited to play for a famous Irish team, improve his skills, and enjoy the experience with his family. He added that he’ll return refreshed in late 2026.
He follows fellow All Black Jordie Barrett, who also joined Leinster and has done very well, even winning player of the match in a recent big win over Glasgow Warriors.
The Blues confirmed Ioane’s move just after Ireland’s rugby union announced that from August 2026, Irish clubs must pay 40% of national player salaries instead of 30%. This change will impact Leinster the most, as they have the highest number of national players.
