All Black star confirms shock move to Leinster to replace Jordie Barrett

"Will be back refreshed and ready to rock second half of 2026."

The 28-year-old partnered Barrett in the centre when New Zealand defeated Ireland at the 2023 World Cup in France, and like Barrett, he will be arriving midway through the 2026-27 season, after the Super Rugby season finishes.

In a post on Instagram, he wrote: "Whats up fam just wanted to announce, I’ll be heading to Leinster at the end of the year on a sabbatical break.
It’s an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game and experience something different with my family.

"Will be back refreshed and ready to rock second half of 2026. Until then locked in with my blues brothers."

The Blues said: "120 game Blues veteran Rieko Ioane has taken up the sabbatical clause in his contract and will spend next season at Leinster

"We will have him back in (the right) blue in 2027. Still got work to do this year".

Leinster have not yet announced the move.

Rieko Ioane and Blues announce move on X and Instagram

The signing does raise questions, however, over Leinster's development of their homegrown players.

With Ireland-capped Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jamie Osborne, and Ciarán Frawley part of the squad, they have excellent depth at centre, while the likes of Liam Turner and Hugh Cooney will find it harder to secure game time with Ioane on the books.

However, with most of Ioane's early caps at Super Rugby level and for the All Blacks on the wing, Leinster may opt to use him out wide where they have less depth.