Rieko joins Bok champs in Dublin

Blues and All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane has signed a sabbatical deal with Leinster.

The 28-year-old made the announcement on social media, a day after his franchise and national teammate Mark Tele’a confirmed a move to Japan next year.

Ioane follows in the footsteps of All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett, who skipped a Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes for a lucrative six-month stint with the four-time European champions.

Springbok utility back Damian Willemse was reportedly also targeted by Leinster as a replacement for Barrett, but the Stormers were not prepared to let him go.

“Whats up fam just wanted to announce, I’ll be heading to Leinster at the end of the year on a sabbatical break,” Ioane said on Instagram.

“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.”

ALSO: Rassie can’t pick Telea for 2027 RWC

Ioane will get the opportunity to develop his game under former Springbok coach and defence guru Jacques Nienaber at Leinster, while playing alongside Bok lock RG Snyman.

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 🫡 pic.twitter.com/q8VpRf9n5R

— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) April 16, 2025

Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images