New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane will join United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup frontrunners Leinster for the 2025-26 season.
Ioane is contracted to the Blues in New Zealand until 2027 but will take a “sabbatical” to join the Irish province on a one-season contract.
The 28-year-old, who can also play on the wing, made his New Zealand debut in 2016 and has scored 37 tries in 81 caps for the All Blacks.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game and experience something with my family,” Ioane posted on his Instagram.
“Will be back refreshed and ready to rock in the second half of 2026.”
Ioane is the latest All Black to make the move to Leinster after Jordie Barrett joined the Dublin-based side for the current season.
Barrett has made a big impact at Leinster and was named player of the match as Leinster hammered Glasgow Warriors to qualify for the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals.
The Blues confirmed the deal just one day after the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced the four Irish provinces will have to contribute 40% to Ireland’s national player contracts from August 2026 – as opposed to 30%.
Leinster have by far the biggest number of nationally contracted players and will be the most financially affected by the decision.
