Leinster have followed up the sensational signings of RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett with that of a third rugby superstar Reiko Ioane. The controversial Ioane is the player who had the now infamous spat with Johnny Sexton after the final whistle of the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal defeat Paris. Ioane told Sexton in gallingly arrogant tones to enjoy retirement and to not miss his flight home sparking an angry reaction from the Ireland captain. Moreover Ioane was chosen to lead the haka in Dublin in the next meeeting between the sides. All Black centre Ioane will join the Irish club from December-July next season, almost a like-for-like replacement for the departing Barrett. This is replacing a first-choice New Zealand centre with the other first-choice international centre. Ioane's 2025/26 signing will allow him return to New Zealand for 2026/27 ahead of the 2027 World Cup. As with Barrett, he is a signed All Black but as with Barrett will avail of the six-month sabbatical which is written into his contract and that can be spent playing abroad. Ioane has also indicated he choose Leinster over a number of lucrative offers from Japan where his brother Akira plays. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.