European Professional Club Rugby

Connacht Rugby Confirms The Signing Of Highly Touted All Blacks Playmaker

Connacht Rugby Confirms The Signing Of Highly Touted All Blacks Playmaker

Connacht Rugby confirmed the signing of All Blacks fly-half Josh Ioane ahead of the 2024-2025 BKT United Rugby Championship and EPCR Challenge Cup season.

Jul 10, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Connacht Rugby Confirms The Signing Of Highly Touted All Blacks Playmaker

Connacht Rugby announced July 10 the signing of talented All Black out-half Josh Ioane from the Chiefs for the 2024-2025 season. 

Ioane brings a wealth of experience from the Southern Hemisphere's top rugby competitions, boasting 72 Super Rugby caps from his time with the Chiefs and previously the Highlanders, amassing over 300 points throughout his career.

At 28, Ioane's impressive resume includes a call-up to the All Blacks for the 2019 Rugby Championship, where he made his international debut against Tonga, scoring eight points off the bench. 

His skills were further showcased in November 2022 when he played for the All Blacks XV against Ireland 'A' at the RDS Arena. 

Ioane also represented the Māori All Blacks during Ireland's summer tour of New Zealand in 2022, scoring in both fixtures.

Known for his versatility and dynamic playmaking abilities, Ioane is recognized as one of New Zealand's most exciting out-halves. His proficiency extends beyond the out-half position, having played regularly at fullback and occasionally at center. 

This adaptability will provide Connacht's head coach, Pete Wilkins, with valuable depth and options across key positions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to Connacht next season," Wilkins said. "We were open about the need for additional depth at 10 following JJ’s injury, and in Josh, we have secured a player with a wealth of experience and an excellent skill set that will both excite our supporters and complement our existing backs. We look forward to him joining the squad and helping us push for success next season.”

Ioane's addition to the Connacht squad is expected to bolster their attacking prowess and strategic versatility, enhancing the team's competitiveness in upcoming seasons. 

His experience at the highest levels of rugby, and his ability to perform under pressure, make him a significant asset for Connacht as it aims to achieve greater success in domestic and international competitions.

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