Rieko Ioane is poised to make a sensational debut for Leinster Rugby this Saturday, coming off the bench in the European Champions Cup opener against Harlequins at the Aviva Stadium. This move marks an unexpected chapter in Ioane’s career following his departure from the New Zealand All Blacks, and reignites memories of his infamous clash with former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton during the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals.

Sexton Reacts to Ioane’s Leinster Move

During his first media appearance as a British and Irish Lions coach earlier this year, Sexton was asked about his old adversary Ioane. Their heated exchange in Paris after the 2023 World Cup left a lasting impression on Irish rugby fans.

“Wow, save the best for last,” Sexton joked, reflecting the shock when Leinster announced Ioane would join the club on a short-term deal until the end of the 2025-26 season.
“I purchased my Munster season ticket last week, put it that way!”

Sexton’s comments, delivered with tongue firmly in cheek, underscored the surprise in Irish rugby circles at Ioane’s move.

The Ioane-Sexton Feud

The feud between Ioane and Sexton came to the fore after Ireland’s 2023 World Cup quarter-final loss. In his autobiography, Sexton recounted Ioane’s post-match words:

“Don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].”

Despite Sexton’s confrontational reputation, the incident highlighted Ioane’s fiery competitive spirit. Weeks later, Ioane leaned into his role as the “pantomime villain” in Irish rugby by leading the All Blacks’ haka before their victory over Ireland in Dublin, posting the moment on social media with a cheeky caption.

Few could have predicted that this feisty winger would later join Leinster, one of Irish rugby’s flagship clubs.

Ioane’s Career Turning Point

At 28, Ioane faces a pivotal moment in his rugby journey. After being shifted from outside centre to left wing during New Zealand’s Test series against France, he struggled to maintain a regular place in the All Blacks lineup. While he returned to score against Wales in Cardiff, he was previously dropped for matches against South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Ioane’s early rise in rugby was meteoric. Making his Super Rugby debut for the Blues just after his 19th birthday in March 2016, he quickly showcased his speed and agility. By the end of the year, he had represented New Zealand in Olympic Sevens and made a try-scoring debut in 15s against Italy.

Ioane’s Impact on the International Stage

Blessed with blistering pace, Ioane became a household name as he tore through opposition defenses from his left-wing position. Highlights include his starring performance against the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and scoring 10 tries in the Rugby Championship campaigns of 2017 and 2018.

Though he faced ups and downs—including being dropped before the 2019 World Cup—Ioane amassed an impressive 38 tries in 88 caps for the All Blacks. His competitive edge and experience at the highest level have clearly caught the attention of Leinster’s senior coach Jacques Nienaber.

“You can see that there’s quality. A goeie begrip het n halwe woord nodig—half a word is enough for someone of his experience to grasp the concept,” Nienaber said, praising Ioane’s rugby IQ.

Following in Barrett’s Footsteps

Ioane hopes to emulate the success of former All Blacks teammate Jordie Barrett, who enjoyed a successful stint at Leinster last season. Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan emphasized the unique qualities Ioane brings:

“They’re different people, different players. Rieko brings different ideas from different parts of the world, obviously at a top-class level.”

With Leinster having lost three consecutive European finals to French opposition (La Rochelle twice and Toulouse), Ioane’s experience in high-stakes matches could prove invaluable in guiding the team to European success.

“He’s a serious competitor. The things he’s been able to achieve, the amount of experience he has, that competitive edge, if we can tap into that it would be brilliant,” added Sheehan.

Leinster’s European Ambitions

As Ioane prepares for his European Champions Cup debut at the Aviva Stadium, Leinster fans eagerly anticipate the impact of the New Zealand star. His arrival not only strengthens Leinster’s squad depth but also adds a dynamic, international flair to the team’s campaign in both the United Rugby Championship and European competitions.

With Ioane now in the fold, Leinster’s pursuit of European glory—including their first triumph since 2018—gains a serious boost. Fans will be watching closely to see whether this New Zealander can translate his All Blacks pedigree into success on Irish soil.