Leinster have pulled off one of the biggest coups in recent memory by luring New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane to Dublin for the 2025-26 season.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The 28-year-old speedster will join the Irish giants on a seven-month “sabbatical” contract following the All Blacks' November internationals, despite being locked into a deal with the Blues until 2027.
Instant impact incoming
With 81 caps and 37 tries for New Zealand since bursting onto the scene in 2016, Ioane brings world-class firepower to a Leinster side already brimming with attacking talent.
"I'm buzzing to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game, and experience something new with my family," Ioane wrote on Instagram. "I'll be back refreshed and ready to rock in 2026."
Barrett Bros blueprint
Ioane follows in the footsteps of Jordie Barrett, who has taken Dublin by storm this season. Barrett was named Player of the Match in Leinster's demolition of Glasgow to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals—and fans will be hoping Ioane has a similar impact.
"Rieko is a world-class talent and a brilliant addition to the group," said Leinster head coach Leo Cullen. "His pace, skills and experience will be invaluable, especially for our younger players."
Trouble in paradise?
But the move might raise a few eyebrows in Irish rugby circles—not least from a certain Johnny Sexton.
Ioane became public enemy number one in Ireland following a fiery post-match exchange with Sexton after Ireland's heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final loss to the All Blacks in 2023—Sexton’s final game.
"Fake-humble [expletive]"
In his explosive autobiography Obsessed, Sexton accused Ioane of mocking him moments after full-time.
"After the whistle, he says, 'Don't miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].' So much for the All Blacks' 'no [expletive]' policy," Sexton claimed. "I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive]."
Sexton, never one to shy away from confrontation, admits his reaction was fiery but says he couldn't just let it go.
"It doesn't look great, me having a go after we've lost," he wrote. "But I can't be expected to ignore that."
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Six England players who could swap nations before the 2027 Rugby World Cup
With World Rugby's eligibility laws allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, a number of familiar faces from England's past and present could soon be wearing different colours on the international stage.
Here’s a look at six England stars who could make a major international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cupin Australia.
Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa
The most high-profile name on this list, Manu Tuilagi, has long been the bulldozing presence in England’s midfield. Born in Samoa, the 33-year-old is eligible to represent the Pacific Island nation after completing the three-year stand-down rule.
With his England career coming to an end last year and the next generation of centres taking over, Tuilagi could provide Samoa with a major boost in 2027 if he stays fit during his time in France.
Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 33
England caps: 60+
Club: Sale Sharks
Born in: Fogapoa, Samoa
Dan Kelly – England to Ireland
Dan Kelly has one cap for England, earned under Eddie Jones in 2021. However, because more than three years will have passed by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and since he has Irish heritage through his Dublin-born mother, he would be eligible to switch to Ireland under World Rugby's revised eligibility laws.
Ireland could be a serious option if his international pathway with England remains blocked.
Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 23
England caps: 0
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Irish mother
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