Samoa international TJ Ioane makes London Irish switch

Samoa international TJ Ioane will be featuring in the Greene King IPA Championship in the upcoming 2018/19 season after he was signed by London Irish.

Ioane made his professional rugby debut with provincial side Wellington in 2009 and switched to Otago in 2011 with his Super Rugby debut for Highlanders coming two years later.

Following the 2014 season, the 29-year-old made his debut in the English Premiership with Sale Sharks and has made 52 appearances for them since then.

London Irish rugby director Declan Kidney is confident that Ioane's inclusion will benefit in their goal to return back to the top tier.

“TJ has proven international quality with plenty of Premiership experience,” said Kidney.

“We’re delighted that he has agreed to join us ahead of a big season, and his ball carrying and physicality will be an asset to us in the Championship.”

Ioane has played 17 Tests for Samoa since his debut in 2014 and was part of the squad that competed against Germany in the 2019 World Cup Qualifier in Heidelburg.

The Greene King IPA Championship has been scheduled to be played between 31st August 2018 to 27th April 2019.