Rieko Ioane emulates All Black team-mate Jordie Barrett with major title for Leinster

Saturday, 20 June 2026

Rieko Ioane has emulated All Black team-mate Jordie Barrett by winning a major title with Irish club Leinster.

Ioane crossed with a brilliant finish in the first half of their resounding 36-7 win against the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship final in Dublin on Saturday (NZ time).

Barrett was with Leinster last season on an Irish sabbatical and Ioane followed suit on a short-term deal.

Rieko Ioane got his hands on a trophy with Leinster.

He was playing at centre in the decider against the South African side at Croke Park and celebrated his try with gusto. Leinster retained the title they won last year when Barrett was part of their squad and Ioane has enjoyed similar success.

The 88-test outside back has made 19 appearances for the Dublin side in claiming his second domestic title after winning Super Rugby Pacific with the Blues in 2024.

Ioane, who has missed this Super Rugby season with the Blues, could be named in Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad on Monday.

Rieko Ioane celebrates his try in the final in Dublin.

The 29-year-old played at centre and on the wing for Scott Robertson in last year’s tests but fell out of favour.