CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED the signing of out-half Josh Ioane from Super Rugby finalists the Chiefs for the 2024/25 season.
Ioane will compete with Jack Carty for the westernersโ starting 10 jersey in the absence of JJ Hanrahan, who suffered an ACL injury against the Dragons in May.
The 28-year-old, who also covers fullback, was capped once by the All Blacks in 2019 having previously represented Samoa U20s.
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ
โ Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) July 10, 2024
We are delighted to confirm the signing of out-half Josh Ioane ๐ข๐ฆ
Read more ๐ https://t.co/bBf73ApQ36#ConnachtRugby pic.twitter.com/5J9EmqhZ6Y
Ioane started once and featured off the bench in 11 more of the Chiefsโ Super Rugby fixtures this season, including their defeat to the Blues in the final in his hometown of Auckland last month. Ioaneโs try in the decider brought his tally to the season to four.
However, with incumbent All Black out-half Damien McKenzie set to occupy the 10 jersey for the Waikato franchise for the foreseeable future, Ioane will swap hemispheres in pursuit of more minutes at Connacht.
โWe are thrilled to welcome Josh to Connacht next season,โ said Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins. โWe were open about the need for additional depth at 10 following JJโs 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.
โWe look forward to him joining the squad and helping us push for success next season.โ
Former Highlander Ioane was first called up to an All Blacks squad for the 2019 Rugby Championship after McKenzie had suffered an ACL injury.
However, despite benching for Beauden Barrett for one test against Argentina, Iaone was forced to wait for a World Cup warm-up game against Tonga later that year before he earned his first and only All Black cap. He was later left out of Steve Hansenโs final World Cup squad, a decision which was deemed contentious at the time due to Ioaneโs form for the Highlanders.
Ioane played for the All Blacks XV against Ireland A at the RDS in November 2022, and previously played and scored against Ireland for the Maori All Blacks in both fixtures during Irelandโs summer tour of New Zealand that summer.
Having started 31 of his 45 Super Rugby games for the Highlanders earlier in his career, Ioane swapped Otago for Waikato in 2021.
He has since struggled for regular starts with the Chiefs, coming off the bench in 22 of his 29 appearances across three seasons.
The 2024 season was Ioaneโs most prolific season in Hamilton, however, as he scored four of his five total Chiefs tries.
While he has deputised at fullback more regularly, the exciting playmaker has also made eight career appearances at inside centre.
In fairness a backline next year which will include Blade/Devine, Ioane, Aki, Hansen, Bolton and Andrew Smith would be something to behold.
@Jack Kirwan: shame theyโll be poorly coached and play in a non existent attacking structure/game plan.
@Jack Kirwan: Smith blew hot and cold. (Although still early days). Cordero and an on form Porch at 14 would be in for me.
Really think Forde could have Akiโs jersey this year. He had it for 2/3 months in 2023, was Connachtโs best player the start of this season, etc.
Also really excited to see Naughton, Gavin, Devine x 2, Treacy, etc. 13 jersey is wide open at Connacht.
@Niall English: you can say that again. I really hope it was just teething and adjustments causing it. Remember Lamโs first year?
@David Hickey: โฆ.yeah Forde has somethingโฆ.but what about Gavinโฆhe is the standout centre prospect in Ireland if not in 6N?
@David Hickey: Completely forgot about Cordero. Yes he would be my preference. As for the Coaching ticket- Fingers crossed talent just overcomes the poor coaching!
@Niall English: that isnโt the major issue, our pack is in need of some major beef (that can stay fit), and our front-line props are getting to the past their best stage. If Bath were open to a deal, Iโd take Roux back, and give them Big Joe Joyce or keep his as backup THL. Sort out the lack of physicality up front (generating slow, back foot ball), and many of the issues our backs are experiencing will resolve themselves.
@Niall English: poorly coach lol
@Jack Kirwan: lol
@Jack Kirwan: Jeepers pity Leinster couldnโt recruit a new 10. He looks like a hell of a signing. Best of luck luck Connacht.
Pity one of the Leinster 10s like Harry wasnโt tempted to move. Would have been better for everyone
@Peter McElwee: better for everyone except connacht
@Dave Moran: and thatโs a fact
His kicking skill looked โexcellentโ as same as Jack Carty in Maori vs Ireland match (very bad condition as same as Galway).
But running and passing has been better (AB level) than his kicking.
Connacht will create some tricky rugby with Devine, Hansen, Hawkshow, Smith, Coldero, Forde, Mullins, Gavin, Treacy, Bolton, Porch, Ralston, Mallon, Jennings..
It will be difficult selection. .
Buzzing with this. Good addition to hopefully steady the ship for 2-3 years while we find our next young Irish 10. Maybe give Naughton a chance to develop and play with an exiting AB level back.
@Cg: looks like itโs only 1 year..disappointing if it actually is
Meanwhile H Byrne (and Tector) will sit in the stands/gym most of next season while Connacht have to shell out for another overseas star
@Andrew Slazenger: itโs a lesson in how to not pursue a career in rugby. Youโd imagine theyโre about 5th and 6th choice outhalf at Leinster next season, assuming Murphy doesnโt overtake them.
@Ciaran Kennedy: Murphy is gone to ulster
Yes yes yes. The makings of a great back line if everyone stays fit.
Great signing , could be a game changer for Connacht. Also , Harry Byrne to Ulster now ??
@Owen ODonoghue: the last thing Ulster (or any club) need
@Owen ODonoghue: what did ulster do to deserve that?
@Owen ODonoghue: Ulster have Morgan now, that opportunity for a Leinster OH to move is gone.
@Kingshu: lol, i guess heโll be togging out for Lansdowne then!
@chris mcdonnell: LMAO
Looks like lots of managers in comments who know it all