Johnny Sexton ‘can’t be too chuffed’ as Irish rivals hit out at Rieko Ioane signing for Leinster
Former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton and All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final
Social media exploded on Wednesday in reaction to the shock announcement that Rieko Ioane will join Leinster next season as their replacement for fellow All Black Jordie Barrett.
Ioane infamously verbally clashed on the pitch with the retiring Johnny Sexton following New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final victory in Paris, allegedly telling the Ireland legend: “Don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you c***.”
Sexton responded by calling Ioane a “fake humble f***er”, an exchange recounted in the book published by the ex-Ireland captain following his retirement.
Ioane was booed by Irish fans who attended last November’s All Blacks match in Dublin
The revelation resulted in Ioane getting jeered by Irish fans when the All Blacks won 23-13 in Dublin last November. That 2024 match took place a couple of weeks before Barrett linked up with Leinster after deciding to take a sabbatical from his New Zealand Rugby contract.
This short-term deal will expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, a campaign where Leinster currently lead the United Rugby Championship and are through to the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup.
Barrett will now be replaced in Dublin at the end of 2025 by Ioane, who has also decided to spend his sabbatical in Ireland despite the uproar caused by his explosive comments to Sexton at the Stade de France in October 2023.
Talking about his temporary move from the Blues to Leinster, Ioane explained on Instagram: “What’s up fam. Just wanted to announce, 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 refreshed and ready to rock second half of 2026. Until then, locked in with my Blues brothers.”
Leinster land ANOTHER All Blacks star as Rieko Ioane makes stunning move to replace Jordie Barrett
The reaction to Ioane’s Instagram post was mostly positive, with replies such as “This is awesome”. However, the transfer triggered a different type of response on X, the social media channel formerly known as Twitter.
“Just an incredible turn of events. Reiko Ioane – thorn in the side of Johnny Sexton and Ireland – is joining Leinster next season on a Jordie Barrett-style sabbatical. Had to check the calendar that it wasn’t the first of April,” tweeted the balls.ie website account.
Johnny Sexton v Rieko Ioane and rugby’s most infamous chirps, trash talk and sledges ever
Fan John Toohey asked: “I’d love to know the thoughts of Sexton on the signing of Ioane. That’s one All Black replacing another who can cover the same positions. Is that good for the development of Irish-qualified players? Imo, Contepomi staying as long as he did hinder the development of Sexton…”
Niall McGrath added: “Leinster signing Rieko Ioane to replace Jordie Barrett is unreal, but I can’t imagine Johnny Sexton will be too chuffed.”
“Rieko Ioane has signed with Johnny Sexton’s former club Leinster. This is the definition of ‘for the plot’”, reckoned Nathan Limm, with Mark Brandon adding: “Rieko Ioane to Leinster I did not see coming.
“He was the only world-class centre I had not considered mainly due to the banter he has with Ireland, but what a signing. That one has blown my mind.”
Mark O Maolain wrote: “Rieko Ioane to Leinster Rugby. Controversial but that’s some statement!” Jack Boag added: “Replacing Jordie Barrett with Rieko Ioane is peak Leinster.”
🏉 Johnny Sexton waiting for Rieko Ioane in the aviva carpark after his first game for @leinsterrugby pic.twitter.com/DOfjK0NpEX
— Robert Moloney (@moloneyrobert) April 16, 2025
Aside from references to the Sexton/Ioane bust-up at the World Cup, there was also plenty of commentary about Leinster having the financial muscle to be able to recruit another All Black in comparison to their seemingly impoverished Irish rivals.
Michael Cantillon claimed: “Munster signing the likes of Michael Milne and JJ Hanrahan for next season. Leinster – with 11 central contracts, Snyman from Munster and Slimani – are now signing Rieko Ioane too… Are we still pretending this is normal?”
Andrew Donohoe asked: “Can you explain how Leinster are weakened financially seeing as you can just buy in Rieko Ioane to replace Barrett? Answers on a postcard please.”
Andrew Ryan added: “Leinster signing Rieko Ioane and on the same day Pete Wilkins quits Connacht. Says it all about the balance of power in Irish rugby.”
READ MORE: ‘Sad’ Connacht exit confirmed as search starts for a new head coach
