Rieko Ioane joins Leinster on sabbatical amid past tensions

All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane is set to join Irish rugby powerhouse Leinster on a six-month sabbatical beginning in December 2025.

The move is part of a clause in his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues, allowing him to temporarily step away from Super Rugby Pacific and gain overseas experience.

His decision follows a precedent set by fellow All Black Jordie Barrett, who also had a short-term stint with Leinster.

Importantly, Ioane remains under contract with the All Blacks until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and the sabbatical is seen as a strategic move to broaden his playing exposure without jeopardising his international commitments.

Confirming the decision, Ioane shared his enthusiasm on social media:

"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 ... ."

Ioane’s sabbatical stint in Ireland carries an element of drama, considering his previous on-field confrontation with Irish rugby icon Johnny Sexton.

After New Zealand’s 28-24 win over Ireland in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, Ioane was seen taunting Sexton, who was playing his final professional match.

Sexton later described the incident in his autobiography, criticizing Ioane’s conduct and calling into question New Zealand’s long-touted “no dickheads” culture within the team.

The tension adds a unique twist to Ioane’s move, especially as he now joins the very club that shaped Sexton's career.

Leinster’s move to sign Ioane highlights their continued effort to attract top-tier talent from around the world. Their recent dominance in the Champions Cup, with commanding wins such as 62-0 over Harlequins and 52-0 over Glasgow Warriors, has underlined their status as European heavyweights.