Rieko Ioane, the 28-year-old All Blacks centre, is set to join Leinster for the 2025-26 season. Despite being contracted to the Blues until 2027, he will take a 'sabbatical' for a seven-month deal after the November internationals. Ioane, who made his New Zealand debut in 2016 and has scored 37 tries in 81 caps, is excited about the opportunity. Head coach Leo Cullen praises him as a world-class player who will bring valuable skills and experience. However, Ioane has had some controversy in Irish rugby.