mens
united-rugby-championship
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has backed Rieko Ioane to have an effect on and off the pitch when the 81-cap All Black arrives in Dublin subsequent season.
It was introduced on Wednesday that Ioane had signed a seven-month contract with Leinster and can emulate worldwide teammate Jordie Barrett by testing himself within the United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup.
Ioane will be part of up with Leinster following the Autumn Nations Series this November and Cullen believes his means and dedication can solely be a profit to the broader squad.
“Rieko is a world-class, 81-cap All Black who has been working on the very prime stage of the worldwide sport and Tremendous Rugby for a lot of seasons,” Cullen mentioned.
“He’s an thrilling, versatile exterior again who will carry tempo, rugby abilities and expertise to Leinster. That have will add large worth to the group right here and our youthful gamers particularly will study a lot from seeing how Rieko prepares, trains and performs.
“We will’t wait to welcome Rieko to Leinster and I’m certain all our supporters will be part of me in making him and his household really feel at dwelling when the time comes.”
Ioane’s fellow All Black Barrett put in a participant of the match efficiency as Leinster booked their place within the Champions Cup semi-finals with a 52-0 demolition of Glasgow Warriors final Friday, which leaves them heading in the right direction for a fifth European crown following three successive closing defeats.
Leinster also sit eight points clear of Glasgow at the top of the URC table with four regular season matches to play as they chase a ninth title. It is that kind of pedigree that attracted Ioane to the Irish province.
“I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity to play in Ireland and in Leinster, and to develop my sport with such an iconic membership with a wealthy historical past,” he mentioned.
“I’m additionally wanting ahead to opening myself and my household as much as new experiences away from dwelling and to rising collectively in a brand new atmosphere.
“I’d wish to thank Leo and Leinster Rugby for the chance and NZRU and my Blues brothers. We’ve work to do but this season, and I’m locked in for that, however I sit up for touching down in Dublin later this yr and assembly all of the Leinster supporters.”
