IRELAND legend Gordon D'arcy has weighed in on Rieko Ioane's pending summer move to Leinster. The former centre took a unique angle on the New Zealander's upcoming move to the four-time Champions Cup winners. He is the second All Black to take his sabbatical — the NZRU allow players to take a season abroad before returning to the international fold — with Leinster after Jordie Barrett during this campaign. D’Arcy, writing in his latest Irish Times column asked if the player is the right fit for Leo Cullen's side. He also touched Ioane’s X-rated exchange with Sexton after last year’s World Cup quarter-final in Paris. “Andy Farrell’s side had managed to ruffle the feathers among the old-world order, and I feel that some of that sentiment was contained in Ioane’s post-match outburst. "Did we get carried away? - Absolutely, but I’d also argue that we finally managed to change the way in which other teams viewed Ireland.” D’Arcy went on to suggest that the New Zealander may find himself back on the wing when he joins Leinster. The 28-year-old will join the Irish province after finishing the All Blacks’ November tour, which includes a fixture against Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago. D'arcy also pointed out how good Jordie Barrett has been since joining Leinster. He added: “Ioane is a big personality. That comes across in the way he plays and how he carries himself. This is a characteristic that may have drawn Leinster to him, as well as being an 80-plus Test match veteran at 28 years of age. “My immediate reaction to his signing was less about his spat with Sexton, more about whether he would be a good fit for Leinster. My initial reference point was to directly compare his potential impact with the one Jordie Barrett is making. “Barrett has been brilliant, brought a genuine second playmaker option in addition to his physical attributes, which have long been plain to see for anyone following his career. Ioane is not primarily a playmaker. "In fact he is under pressure in New Zealand for his lack of those playmaking skills in the 13 channel. “This does not make him a bad player or a poor signing. He is a different player from Barrett so it would be foolish to expect the same style of play and end product. "Ioane was originally a winger before moving to the centre, and his main attributes are pace and power, a very dangerous combination that he has retained as his main modus operandi in the centre. “He was not required to reinvent himself in that positional switch because he was the right player in the right position for the All Blacks at that time. "However, I feel the role of centres has evolved in the last few years, requiring a change in style.” The former Clongowes man insisted that the number 13 position is a unique role, but reckons Leinster must have him in a premium position to get the best out of the Auckland native. He concluded: “Outside centre has always been a pivotal position in setting up a team to attack. A creative set of hands is again a requirement to play at the highest level. "Ioane’s qualities remain obvious for all to see, but as styles evolve, his premium value may be more keenly felt one channel farther out. I would not be surprised at all to see Ioane get some minutes on the wing in the coming season.” Boss Leo Cullen also hinted at potential outgoings at Leinster following the shock Rieko Ioane signing. But the Leinster chief reckons it's key for the development of Irish players at the province.