"Bit of a D*head" – Johnny Sexton gives blunt verdict on Leinster's new star Rieko Ioane

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 at 12:50

byRugby Rucker

Leinster have pulled off one of the biggest coups in recent memory by luring New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane to Dublin for the 2025-26 season.

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The 28-year-old speedster will join the Irish giants on a seven-month "sabbatical" contract following the All Blacks’ November internationals, despite being locked into a deal with the Blues until 2027.

Instant impact incoming

With 81 caps and 37 tries for New Zealand since bursting onto the scene in 2016, Ioane brings world-class firepower to a Leinster side already brimming with attacking talent.

“I’m buzzing to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game, and experience something new with my family,” Ioane wrote on Instagram. “I’ll be back refreshed and ready to rock in 2026.”

Barrett Bros blueprint

Ioane follows in the footsteps of Jordie Barrett, who has taken Dublin by storm this season. Barrett was named Player of the Match in Leinster’s demolition of Glasgow to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals—and fans will be hoping Ioane has a similar impact.

“Rieko is a world-class talent and a brilliant addition to the group,” said Leinster head coach Leo Cullen. “His pace, skills and experience will be invaluable, especially for our younger players.”

Trouble in paradise?

But the move might raise a few eyebrows in Irish rugby circles—not least from a certain Johnny Sexton.

Ioane became public enemy number one in Ireland following a fiery post-match exchange with Sexton after Ireland’s heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final loss to the All Blacks in 2023—Sexton's final game.

“Fake-humble [expletive]”

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Obsessed, Sexton accused Ioane of mocking him moments after full-time.

“After the whistle, he says, ‘Don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].’ So much for the All Blacks’ ‘no [expletive]’ policy,” Sexton claimed. “I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive].”

Sexton, never one to shy away from confrontation, admits his reaction was fiery but says he couldn’t just let it go.

“It doesn’t look great, me having a go after we’ve lost,” he wrote. “But I can’t be expected to ignore that.”

Six England players who could swap nations before the 2027 Rugby World Cup

With World Rugby’s eligibility laws allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, a number of familiar faces from England’s past and present could soon be wearing different colours on the international stage.

Here's a look at six England stars who could make a major international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cupin Australia.

?? Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa

The most high-profile name on this list, Manu Tuilagi, has long been the bulldozing presence in England's midfield. Born in Samoa, the 33-year-old is eligible to represent the Pacific Island nation after completing the three-year stand-down rule.

With his England career coming to an end last year and the next generation of centres taking over, Tuilagi could provide Samoa with a major boost in 2027 if he stays fit during his time in France.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 33
England caps: 60+
Club: Sale Sharks
Born in: Fogapoa, Samoa

?? Dan Kelly – England to Ireland

Dan Kelly has one cap for England, earned under Eddie Jones in 2021. However, because more than three years will have passed by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and since he has Irish heritage through his Dublin-born mother, he would be eligible to switch to Ireland under World Rugby’s revised eligibility laws.

Ireland could be a serious option if his international pathway with England remains blocked.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 23
England caps: 0
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Irish mother

? Ollie Hassell-Collins – England to Wales

Having fallen out of favour with England after brief involvement under Borthwick, Ollie Hassell-Collins may look across the border for international redemption. Born in Reading but with Welsh heritage through his grandfather, the powerful winger could qualify for Wales by ancestry.

If he makes a move to a Welsh region in the next couple of years, the switch could become very real.

Bio:
Position: Wing
Age: 26
England caps: 2
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Welsh grandfather

??/?? Billy Vunipola – England to Tonga or Australia

Veteran number eight Billy Vunipola has been a central figure in English rugby for a decade, but with younger options like Ben Earl and Tom Willis rising, his time in white came to an end when he joined Montpellier last summer. The powerhouse was born in Australia and has Tongan heritage, meaning he’s eligible for either nation.

A return to family roots with Tonga or a move to the Wallabies would certainly shake things up ahead of 2027.

Bio:
Position: Number 8
Age: 32
England caps: 70+
Club: Saracens
Born in: Sydney, Australia
Eligible for: Tonga (ancestry), Australia (birth)

?? Mako Vunipola – England to Tonga

Like his younger brother Billy, Mako Vunipola is also eligible to switch to Tonga. The veteran prop, born in Wellington, New Zealand to Tongan parents, hasn’t featured for England since retiring following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

At 34, his international days may not be over just yet — especially with Tonga looking to add experience and grit to their forward pack.

Bio:
Position: Loosehead prop
Age: 34
England caps: 70+
Club: Saracens
Born in: Wellington, New Zealand
Eligible for: Tonga (parents)

?? Alex Lozowski – England to Italy

One of the most underrated utility backs in English rugby, Alex Lozowski qualifies for Italy through his father, former rugby league international Rob Lozowski. With Italy continuing to build their depth, the door could open for the Saracens star — especially with his England career stalled.

He’s already played for the Barbarians and would offer Italy experience, flair, and versatility.

Bio:
Position: Fly-half/Centre/Fullback
Age: 31
England caps: 5
Club: Saracens
Eligible through: Italian father

Final thoughts

With World Rugby's rules now opening the door to multi-national careers, don’t be surprised if a few of these stars show up in unfamiliar jerseys come 2027. Whether it's the pull of heritage, game time, or one last shot at the global stage — the future could be red, green, or gold for these former England internationals.

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