Reiko Ioane signs with Leinster for 2026
- NZ Sports Wire
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
All Blacks and Blues utility back Rieko Ioane has enacted a sabbatical clause in his New Zealand Rugby contract and will play in Ireland in 2026.
Similar to All Blacks teammate Jordie Barrett before him, the 28-year-old has exercised an option to play overseas and he will join up with Leinster Rugby when his NZ Rugby commitments are complete and ahead of the start of the Champions Cup next season.
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Ioane is contracted to the Blues through to the end of the 2027 season and made his Blues debut in 2016. He has gone on to represent the franchise 120 times, scoring more than 250 points.
He is also a decorated All Black, having made his debut as a 19-year-old against Italy in 2016 after impressing with the All Blacks Sevens team at a number of tournaments and at the Rio Olympics.
He has played at two Rugby World Cups and has scored 37 tries in 81 tests for the All Blacks.
“We are thrilled to confirm the signing of Rieko on a seven-month contract which will come into effect after this year’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures," Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen told leinsterrugby.ie.
“Similar to our current arrangement with Jordie, we’d like to thank NZR for their help facilitating the move.
“Rieko is a world-class, 81-cap All Black who has been operating at the very top level of the international game and Super Rugby for many seasons.
“He is an exciting, versatile outside back who will bring pace, rugby skills and experience to Leinster.
"That experience will add massive value to the group here and our younger players especially will learn so much from seeing how Rieko prepares, trains and plays.
“We can’t wait to welcome Rieko to Leinster and I’m sure all our supporters will join me in making him and his family feel at home when the time comes.”
Ioane said: “I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity to play in Ireland and for Leinster, and to grow my game with such an iconic club with a rich history.
“I’m also looking forward to opening myself and my family up to new experiences away from home and to growing together in a new environment.
“I’d like to thank Leo and Leinster Rugby for the opportunity and NZR and my Blues brothers. We’ve work to do yet this season, and I’m locked in for that, but I look forward to touching down in Dublin later this year and meeting all the Leinster supporters.”
