Leo Cullen explains the ‘massive value’ reason why Leinster have recruited Rieko Ioane despite Johnny Sexton bust-up

Leinster boss Leo Cullen has explained why the Irish province have signed Rieko Ioane as a replacement for Jordie Barrett, his fellow All Black.

The world of rugby was shaken on Wednesday when Ioane revealed he will spend a sabbatical away from New Zealand in Ireland despite his infamous bust-up with Johnny Sexton at Rugby World Cup 2023.    

Writing in his autobiography following his retirement from playing, Sexton alleged that Ioane has said on the pitch in Paris following full-time: “Don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you c***.”     

Ioane was jeered by Ireland fans when he played for the All Blacks in Dublin last November

Sexton labelled Ioane a “fake humble f***er” in response, and the revelation about what happened at the Stade de France fed into the build-up to last November’s Ireland versus New Zealand clash in Dublin, an Autumn Nations Series match where Ioane was jeered by the Irish fans.

This unpopularity, though, hasn’t put Ioane off from taking up a Leinster offer to replace Barrett in Dublin on a short-term deal from the end of 2025.

Writing on Instagram, the centre said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game and experience something different with my family.”   

Leinster boss Cullen has now broken his silence on the spectacular deal to recruit Ioane, explaining on the club website: “We are thrilled to confirm the signing of Rieko on a seven-month contract which will come into effect after this year’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures.   

“Similar to our current arrangement with Jordie, we would like to thank the NZRU for their help facilitating the move. Rieko is a world-class, 81-cap All Black who has been operating at the very top level of the international game and Super Rugby for many seasons.   

“He is an exciting, versatile outside back who will bring pace, rugby skills and experience to Leinster. That experience will add massive value to the group here and our younger players especially will learn so much from seeing how Rieko prepares, trains and plays.   

“We can’t wait to welcome Rieko to Leinster and I’m sure all our supporters will join me in making him and his family feel at home when the time comes.” 

READ MORE: Johnny Sexton ‘can’t be too chuffed’ as Irish rivals hit out at Rieko Ioane signing for Leinster